On default and uniqueness of monetary equilibria

B-Tier
Journal: Economic Theory
Year: 2016
Volume: 62
Issue: 1
Pages: 245-264

Authors (3)

Li Lin (not in RePEc) Dimitrios P. Tsomocos (Oxford University) Alexandros P. Vardoulakis (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

Abstract We examine the role that credit risk in the central bank’s monetary operations plays in the determination of the equilibrium price level and allocations. Our model features trade in fiat money, real assets and a monetary authority which injects money into the economy through short-term and long-term loans to agents. Short-term loans are riskless, but long-term loans are collateralized by a portfolio of real assets and are subject to credit risk. The private monetary wealth of individuals is zero, i.e., there is no outside money. When there is no default in equilibrium, there is indeterminacy. Positive default in every state of the world on some long-term loan endogenously creates positive liquid wealth that supports positive interest rates and resolves the aforementioned indeterminacy. Hence, a non-Ricardian policy across loan markets can determine the equilibrium allocations, while it allows the central bank to earn profits from seigniorage in order to compensate for any losses.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:spr:joecth:v:62:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1007_s00199-015-0890-y
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29