Money and capital in a persistent liquidity trap

Abstract

Using a monetary model with asset scarcity, we show that a liquidity trap caused by a persistent deleveraging shock increases real cash holdings and decreases investment and output in the medium term. This medium-term supply-side effect arises when firms face financial constraints. Policy implications differ from shorter-run analyses implied by nominal rigidities. Quantitative easing leads to a deeper liquidity trap. Exiting the trap by increasing expected inflation or applying negative interest rates does not solve the asset scarcity problem. A higher government debt helps exiting the liquidity trap and reduces asset scarcity, but may hurt investment in the medium run.