Asymmetric Monetary Policy In Australia

We find evidence for asymmetric behaviour in Australian monetary policy. During 1984-1990, the Reserve Bank of Australia acted with considerable discretion yielding poor performance of an interest rate rule. However, it behaved asymmetrically to inflation and the output gap in downturns and upturns. On embracing inflation targeting from 1991, it enhanced its credibility by anchoring inflation expectations. Not only did its actions become more predictable in 1991-2002, it responded asymmetrically only to output, switching to act more acutely in downturns. Although its asymmetric behaviour could result from asymmetric preferences or non-linear aggregate supply, our results support the former explanation.

This paper provides new evidence of the effect of monetary policy shocks on income inequality. Using a measure of unanticipated changes in policy rates for a panel of 32 advanced and emerging market countries over the period 1990-2013, the paper finds that contractionary (expansionary) monetary actions increase (reduce) income inequality. The effect, however, varies over time, depending on the type of the shocks (tightening versus expansionary monetary policy) and the state of the business cycle, and across countries depending on the share of labor income and redistribution policies. In particular, we find that the effect is larger for positive monetary policy shocks, especially during expansions. Looking across countries, we find that the effect is larger in countries with higher labor share of income and smaller redistribution policies. Finally, while an unexpected increase in policy rates increases inequality, changes in policy rates driven by an increase in growth are associated with lower inequality.

This book of case studies is a significant contribution to monetary macroeconomics in which country-specific experience and issues in inflation and monetary policy are reviewed and analysed in an historical context. In doing so, the key ideas and views

With the rise of China, India and the re-emergence of East Asia from the financial crisis of 1997–98, monetary issues in Asia have acquired great significance as the region holds the largest reserves in the world and consequently plays a major role in the global macro-economy. In addition, there are also a great variety of monetary policy regimes at play in the region – reflecting each country's needs and policy preferences. This volume explores monetary, exchange rate and macroeconomic policies in Asia. A particular question that is analysed is Asia's experience since the crisis with the use of monetary policy to manage the resurgence in capital inflows. It also examines the theoretical and policy issues associated with international capital flows, the increasing degree of integration of financial markets and exchange rates for emerging Asian economies. The book is unique in focussing on China, India and Southeast Asia, rather than just having a sub-regional or country-specific focus. Rigorous empirical analysis is applied to important practical policy issues. The book also provides accessible overviews of recent research relevant to the questions that are explored and is written throughout in a manner that is accessible to policy makers, students and business/financial journalists.

The 2010 edition of OECD's periodic survey of Australia's economy. This edition includes chapters covering recovery from the crisis, fiscal policy effectiveness, meeting infrastructure needs, and enhancing labour utilisation.

An overview of recent theoretical and policy-related developments in monetary economics.

Financial crises are nothing new in the annals of history of the capitalistic path of economic development; indeed, they are part of business cycle. The theoretical basis for this is well entrenched in the concept of ‘Keynesian Cross’. Tales of crises date back centuries, but have taken a new turn as the race for more globalization goes on, which involves liberalizing trade and opening up the financial sector. This has made many nations vulnerable to crises that are likely to be repeated, perhaps frequently. Based on recent experience, warning signs can be seen in the dollar-centric exchange rate, which is the mainstay for the stability of the current global financial system. To a careful observer, there is clearly fatigue in the system.