Non‐standard monetary policy measures in non‐normal times

Abstract

We evaluate the macroeconomic effects of long-term sovereign-bond purchases by the central bank in an economy that is likely to be characterized by a low equilibrium real interest rate and a non-negligible probability of hitting the zero lower bound (ZLB) on the monetary-policy rate. Our analysis is based on simulations of a dynamic general equilibrium model for the euro area. The main results are the following. First, long-term sovereign-bond purchases reacting to a positive inflation gap help stabilize macroeconomic conditions when the monetary-policy rate hits the ZLB. Second, these purchases are an effective stabilization tool following positive shocks to the sovereign term premium and negative shocks to aggregate demand.