The latest thinking of European macroeconomists

ECB Monetary Policy and Catch-up Inflation

Monday, October 4, 2021

Summary

Most members of the CfM-CEPR panel of experts on the European economy supports the ECB explicitly allowing inflation to exceed its target for extended periods to make up for below-target inflation in the past. This 60% majority has divided views on the optimal alternative policies, with the largest share supporting average inflation targeting and some members supporting nominal GDP targeting or hybrid policies. 40% of the panel would prefer to maintain the current policy of traditional inflation targeting. 

Background

Monetary Policy and Inequality

Friday, July 30, 2021

Summary

The majority of the CfM panel of experts on the UK economy thinks monetary policy has only a small impact on wealth and income inequality. A larger majority of nearly 90% of the panel believes that inequality should play a minimal role or no role in the Bank of England’s monetary policy decisions.

Background

Central Bank Digital Currency for the UK

Monday, July 5, 2021

Summary

The CfM panel of experts on the UK economy is nearly unanimous in agreeing that a Bank of England-issued digital currency would benefit the British economy. Half of the panel also believes that a digital currency would have limited impact on the UK banking system.

Background

The June 2021 CfM survey asked the members of its UK panel to assess the benefits of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to the UK economy and its potential risks to the UK banking sector. 

Central Bank Digital Currencies

Fiscal Rules in the European Monetary Union

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Summary

The CfM-CEPR panel of experts on the European economy are nearly unanimous that existing EU rules require revision. Many panel members would opt for some package of fiscal councils; more flexible, countercyclical, or expenditure-based rules; and increased fiscal capacity at the EU level. A smaller share of panelists would scrap fiscal rules altogether, leave fiscal policy to national authorities, and provide greater clarity that the EU wouldn’t bail out countries facing debt problems. A single member called for stricter rules with greater enforcement.