This paper analyses the macroeconomic effects of a protracted period of low and falling inflation rates when monetary policy is constrained by the zero lower bound (ZLB) on nominal interest rates and the private sector is indebted in nominal terms (debt-deflation channel). In this scenario, even...

In New Keynesian models favourable cost-push shocks lower inflation and increase output. Yet, when the central bank's inflation target is not perfectly observed these shocks turn contractionary as agents erroneously perceive a temporary reduction in the target. This effect is amplified when...

Long-term inflation expectations in the euro area reached historically low levels at the end of 2019, suggesting a possible de-anchoring from the European Central Bank’s “below, but close to, 2 per cent” inflation aim. The decline in long-term inflation expectations exerted a downward...