Linear approximation is a popular tool for studying the properties of dynamic economic models. Advocates of linearization have always acknowledged and emphasized that it may be inaccurate unless the researcher restricts attention to small deviations from a steady state. Recent work has...

Three notions of optimal monetary policy are applied to a model in which firms set their prices for multiple periods. The best steady state inflation rate is slightly positive, but the policy that maximizes present discounted welfare leads in the long run to zero inflation. If commitment is not...

Inflation targeting is a monetary policy rule that has implications for both the average performance of an economy and its business cycle behavior. We use a modern, rational expectations model to study the twin effects of this policy rule. The model highlights forward- looking consumption and...

Inflation targeting is a monetary policy rule that has implications for both the average performance of an economy and its business cycle behavior. We use a modern, rational expectations model to study the twin effects of this policy rule. The model highlights forward- looking consumption and...