Journal Article

The evolution of monetary policy in transition economies

Abstract: The last decade of the 20th century brought about many economic and financial changes in the economies of the former communist countries. This paper provides an overview of the developments that took place in the areas of financial markets and institutions and monetary policy in three of the most advanced transition economies, namely, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. After examining the evolution of monetary policy in each country, the problems that monetary authorities have faced in these countries are highlighted, and the current approach to managing inflation is described. Although monetary policy has made a significant contribution to stabilization, the relative newness and fragility of these countries' markets and institutions remains a concern because of the heavy burden placed on monetary authorities in the battle to reduce inflation. It will be important to continue to strengthen the capital market in these countries and to provide more active fiscal policy support for monetary policy.

Keywords: Poland; Czech Republic; Hungary; Monetary policy;

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Part of Series: Review

Publication Date: 2000

Volume: 82

Issue: Mar

Pages: 31-40