Optimal monetary policy with the risk-taking channel

April 16, 2021
Issue 2021-09

Summary

Empirical research suggests that lower interest rates induce banks to take higher risks. We assess analytically what this risk-taking channel implies for optimal monetary policy in a tractable New Keynesian model. We show that this channel creates a motive for the planner to stabilize the real rate. This objective conflicts with the standard inflation stabilization objective. Optimal policy thus tolerates more inflation volatility. An inertial Taylor-type reaction function becomes optimal. We then quantify the significance of the risk-taking channel for monetary policy in an estimated medium-scale extension of the model. Ignoring the channel when designing policy entails non-negligible welfare costs (0.7% lifetime consumption equivalent).

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Issue:
09
Pages:
53
JEL classification:
E44, E52
Keywords:
Risk-taking channel, optimal monetary policy
Year:
2021

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Author(s)

  • Dr. Angela Abbate

  • Dominik Thaler

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