Policy Paradoxes in the New Keynesian Model

Abstract

Abstract The common sticky-prices New-Keynesian model behaves differently in a zero-lower bound environment. Fiscal and forward guidance multipliers can be very large. Positive supply shocks, such as an increase in productivity, will lower production, and increased price flexibility can exacerbate such a decline in output (as well as amplifying the effects of other shocks). These results are fragile and disappear under a plausible alternative to sticky prices (sticky information): Fiscal and monetary multipliers are smaller, positive supply shocks raise output, and greater price flexibility, in the sense of more frequent updating of information, moves the economy's response toward the neoclassical benchmark.