Evaluating Policy Rules Under Imperfect Credibility

Author/Editor:

Paul R Masson ; Steven A. Symansky

Publication Date:

December 1, 1991

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Evaluation of policy rules using empirical macroeconomic models is usually done on the assumption that the rules are perfectly credible. However, there are usually circumstances that cause the authorities to abandon any given rule. The public's expectations reflect this possibility. In the paper, credibility is assumed to depend on the probability that the authorities will abandon a rule because the resulting utility exceeds that from maintaining the rule. Simulations of a disinflation policy leading to price stability are presented. Its credibility varies over time, depending on the paths for output and inflation.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1991/128

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

December 1, 1991

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451855029/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1281991

Pages:

24

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