PROBLEMS AND APPLICATIONS

To access online learning resources, visit for Macroeconomics, 9e at www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/mankiw9e

Question 18.7

1. Suppose that the tradeoff between unemployment and inflation is determined by the Phillips curve:

u = un – α(π − Eπ),

where u denotes the unemployment rate, un the natural rate, π the rate of inflation, and Eπ the expected rate of inflation. In addition, suppose that the Left Party always follows a policy of high money growth and the Right Party always follows a policy of low money growth. What “political business cycle” pattern of inflation and unemployment would you predict under the following conditions?

  1. Every four years, one of the parties takes control based on a random flip of a coin. (Hint: What will expected inflation be prior to the election?)

  2. The two parties take turns.

  3. Do your answers above support the conclusion that monetary policy should be set by an independent central bank?

Question 18.8

2. When cities pass laws limiting the rent landlords can charge on apartments, the laws usually apply to existing buildings and exempt any buildings not yet built. Advocates of rent control argue that this exemption ensures that rent control does not discourage the construction of new housing. Evaluate this argument in light of the time-inconsistency problem.

Question 18.9

3. A central bank has decided to adopt inflation targeting and is now debating whether to target 5 percent inflation or zero inflation. The economy is described by the following Phillips curve:

u = 5 − 0.5 (π − Eπ),

where u and π are the unemployment rate and inflation rate measured in percentage points.

The social cost of unemployment and inflation is described by the following loss function:

L = u + 0.05 π2.

The central bank would like this loss to be as small as possible.

  1. If the central bank commits to targeting 5 percent inflation, what is expected inflation? If the central bank follows through, what is the unemployment rate? What is the loss from inflation and unemployment?

  2. If the central bank commits to targeting zero inflation, what is expected inflation? If the central bank follows through, what is the unemployment rate? What is the loss from inflation and unemployment?

  3. Based on your answers to parts (a) and (b), which inflation target would you recommend? Why?

  4. Suppose the central bank chooses to target zero inflation, and expected inflation is zero. Suddenly, however, the central bank surprises people with 5 percent inflation. What is unemployment in this period of unexpected inflation? What is the loss from inflation and unemployment?

  5. What problem does your answer to part (d) illustrate?

Question 18.10

4. After every policy meeting, the Federal Reserve issues a statement (sometimes called the press release), which you can find on the Fed’s Web site (http://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm). Read the most recent statement. What does it say? What is the Fed doing? Why? What do you think about the Fed’s recent policy decisions?

551