Considerations in Reducing Inflation From Low to Lower Levels

Author/Editor:

Stephen Tokarick ; Michael P. Leidy

Publication Date:

August 1, 1998

Electronic Access:

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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 recent years, many countries have successfully reduced their inflation rates to relatively low levels of 2 to 3 percent. The question then arises as to whether it would be desirable to move to even lower rates of inflation. The paper examines the benefits and costs of moving from low inflation to even lower inflation by drawing together recent work on this issue. Once a country has decided to move to an even lower rate of inflation, the question then becomes whether it would be better to achieve this objective through inflation targeting or price-level targeting. The paper critically reviews the arguments for both approaches.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1998/109

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

August 1, 1998

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451853186/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1091998

Pages:

20

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