The Non-Zero Lower Bound Lending Rate and the Liquidity Trap

Most studies of the liquidity trap emphasize the zero bound benchmark policy rate. This paper integrates a non-zero lower bound lending rate and the traditional zero bound policy rate in a dynamic structural macroeconomic model that takes into consideration aggregate bank liquidity preference as a financial friction. The approach allows for analyzing the dynamic effects of quantitative easing and an interest rate policy. Once the non-zero lower limit is reached, increasing the benchmark policy rate marginally can have a positive effect on output. Expanding quantitative easing at the non-zero lower limit results in a negative effect on output. Increasing marginally the zero bound policy rate is better at stimulating inflation than quantitative easing. However, excessive tightening in a normal regime would result in the opposite effect.