Monetary policy in the Euro-Area: An analysis using a stylized new-Keynesian model

This paper analyses monetary policy in the Euro-Area using a stylized new-Keynesian model. A number of issues are focused upon: (i) optimal monetary policy under commitment and discretion, (ii) a comparison of optimal monetary policies and ad-hoc monetary policies, (iii) the effects of fiscal policies and foreign variables on monetary policy in the model. Using numerical simulations, it is analyzed how these aspects affect monetary policy of the ECB in particular and macro economic fluctuations in the Euro-Area in general.