On the Theoretical Efficacy of Quantitative Easing at the Zero Lower Bound

RePEc Short ID: pbo739
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3203-6043

Boel, Paola; Waller, Christopher J.

doi:10.20955/wp.2015.027

Working Paper

On the Theoretical Efficacy of Quantitative Easing at the Zero Lower Bound

Abstract: We construct a monetary economy in which agents face aggregate demand shocks and hetero- generous idiosyncratic preference shocks. We show that, even when the Friedman rule is the best interest rate policy, not all agents are satiated at the zero lower bound. Thus, quantitative easing can be welfare improving since it temporarily relaxes the liquidity constraint of some agents, without harming others. Moreover, due to a pricing externality, quantitative easing may also have beneficial general equilibrium effects for the unconstrained agents. Lastly, our model suggests that it can be optimal for the central bank to buy private debt claims instead of government debt.

Keywords: Money; Heterogeneity; Stabilization Policy; Zero Lower Bound; Quantitative Easing;

JEL Classification: E40; E50;

https://doi.org/10.20955/wp.2015.027

Status: Published in International Economic Review