Implications of a Surge in Capital Inflows: Available tools and Consequences for the Conduct of Monetary Policy

Author/Editor:

Jang-Yung Lee

Publication Date:

May 1, 1996

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:

This paper seeks to extend discussion of monetary policy instruments to the situation of a country faced with major capital inflows when the process of domestic financial liberalization is incomplete. It briefly summarizes the recent usage of traditional monetary instruments, discusses the practical limits to classic sterilization measures as well as the pros and cons of using other supplementary measures including tax-based controls on capital inflows. It also examines the efficacy of such measures in Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Korea, Spain, and Thailand. The conclusion is that, for a time and as a transitional measure, a country may find it opportune to supplement the traditional instruments with certain “belt and braces” measures including, in some instances, indirect (tax-based) capital controls.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1996/053

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

May 1, 1996

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451847345/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0531996

Pages:

66

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org