Disinflation in Transition Economies: The Role of Relative Price Adjustment

Author/Editor:

Sharmini Coorey ; Mauro Mecagni ; Erik Offerdal

Publication Date:

December 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:

In light of the persistence of moderate inflation in many transition economies, this paper analyzes whether inflation resulted from insufficiently tight financial policies and wage pressures or from the protracted adjustment of relative prices. Using a new database for 21 countries, the effect of relative price variability on inflation is estimated within a framework controlling for nominal and real shocks. Money and wage growth were the most important determinants of inflation; relative price variability had a sizable effect at high inflation during initial liberalization and a small effect at moderate inflation. Cost recovery may contribute to variability, particularly in the advanced stages of the transition.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1996/138

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

December 1, 1996

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451930061/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1381996

Pages:

98

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