DP15199 Stabilization vs. Redistribution: the Optimal Monetary-Fiscal Mix
Author(s): | Florin Ovidiu Bilbiie, Tommaso Monacelli |
Publication Date: | August 2020 |
Keyword(s): | aggregate demand, inequality, Optimal Monetary-Fiscal Policy, redistribution, TANK |
JEL(s): | D91, E21, E62 |
Programme Areas: | Monetary Economics and Fluctuations |
Link to this Page: | cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=15199 |
Stabilization and redistribution are intertwined in a model with heterogeneity, imperfect insurance, and nominal rigidity---making fiscal and monetary policy inextricably linked. Changes in government spending that are associated with changes in the distribution of taxes (progressive vs. regressive) induce a tradeoff for monetary policy: the central bank cannot stabilize real activity at its efficient level (including insurance) and simultaneously avoid inflation. Fiscal policy can be used in conjunction to monetary policy to strike the optimal balance between stabilization and insurance (redistribution) motives.