Title: Evaluating quantitative easing: a DSGE approach

Authors: Matteo Falagiarda

Addresses: Department of Economics, University of Bologna, Piazza Scaravilli 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy

Abstract: This paper develops a simple dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model capable of evaluating the effect of large purchases of treasuries by central banks. The model exhibits imperfect asset substitutability between government bonds of different maturities and a feedback from the term structure to the macroeconomy. Both features are generated through the introduction of portfolio adjustment frictions. As a result, the model is able to isolate the portfolio rebalancing channel of quantitative easing (QE). This theoretical framework is employed to evaluate the impact on bond yields and on the macroeconomy of the large purchases of medium- and long-term treasuries recently carried out in the USA and UK. The results from the calibrated model suggest that large asset purchases of government assets had stimulating effects in terms of lower long-term yields, and higher output and inflation. The size of the effects is nevertheless sensitive to the speed of the exit strategy chosen by monetary authorities.

Keywords: unconventional monetary policies; quantitative easing; DSGE; dynamic stochastic general equilibrium; modelling; asset prices; central banks; imperfect asset substitutability; government bonds; term structure; macroeconomy; portfolio adjustment friction; portfolio rebalancing channels; USA; UK; United States; United Kingdom; government assets; long-term yields; output; inflation; exit strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMEF.2014.067724

International Journal of Monetary Economics and Finance, 2014 Vol.7 No.4, pp.302 - 327

Received: 28 Jul 2014
Accepted: 03 Dec 2014
Published online: 27 Feb 2015 *

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