Global Imbalances and Policy Wars at the Zero Lower Bound

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This article explores the consequences of extremely low real interest rates in a world with integrated but heterogeneous capital markets, nominal rigidities, and an effective lower bound [a zero lower bound (ZLB) for simplic...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Caballero, Ricardo J, Farhi, Emmanuel, Gourinchas, Pierre-Olivier
Other Authors: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Economics
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 2022
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/144450
Description
Summary:<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This article explores the consequences of extremely low real interest rates in a world with integrated but heterogeneous capital markets, nominal rigidities, and an effective lower bound [a zero lower bound (ZLB) for simplicity]. We establish four main results: (1) At the ZLB, creditor countries export their recession abroad, which we illustrate with a new Metzler diagram in quantities; (2) Beggar-thy-neighbour currency and trade wars provide stimulus to the undertaking country at the expense of other countries; (3) (Safe) public debt issuances and increases in government spending anywhere are expansionary everywhere; and (4) When there is a scarcity of safe assets, net issuers of these assets import the recession from abroad.</jats:p>