Are QE and Conventional Monetary Policy Substitutable?

B-Tier
Journal: International Journal of Central Banking
Year: 2020
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
Pages: 195-230

Authors (2)

Eric Sims (University of Notre Dame) Cynthia Wu (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Yes! We study the substitutability between conventional monetary policy based on the adjustment of a short-term policy interest rate with quantitative easing (QE). We do so in a four-equation New Keynesian model featuring financial frictions that allows QE to be economically relevant. We analytically derive how much QE versus conventional policy is necessary to implement an inflation target. Quantitatively, the observed expansion of the Federal Reserve's balance sheet over the zero lower bound (ZLB) period provides stimulus equivalent to cutting the policy rate to 2 percentage points below zero. This is in line with the decline in the empirical shadow federal funds rate series. Moreover, we show that the amount of QE required to achieve price stability depends on the expected duration of the ZLB.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ijc:ijcjou:y:2020:q:0:a:4
Journal Field
Macro
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-29