Using 1970-85 sectoral data for the OECD we find that inflation in nontradable good exceeds inflation in tradables. We identify a demand shift towards nontradables and faster growth of total factor productivity in the tradable goods sector as the prime causes of the differential inflation. In...

The central European stabilization efforts of the interwar period have become the prototype for 'orthodox stabilization programs'; its components - fiscal cuts coupled with the adoption of a pegged exchange rate and external support - are often portrayed as necessary conditions for successful...

Once a popular colonial monetary arrangement, currency boards fell into disuse as countries gained political independence. But recently, currency boards have made a remarkable come-back. This essay takes a critical look at their performance. Are currency boards really a panacea for achieving low...