Unconventional monetary and fiscal policies in interconnected economies: Do policy rules matter?

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of adopting unconventional policies in a crisis environment characterised by the international transmission of negative financial intermediation and real capital quality shocks. Using a two-country model with financial frictions, we compare adjustments in both countries. We condition one country to adopt a credit easing rule as the monetary regime, regardless of the source of the crisis. We consider results when the other country does nothing, or implements a fiscal (tax-rate) policy rule. Our results show that when both countries experience massive asymmetric shocks, the adoption of optimal policy rules can be used effectively to mitigate negative consequence..