Optimal monetary policy in an economy with inflation persistence

This paper presents a closed economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with monopolistic competition and sticky prices. Two types of price setters are assumed to exist. One acts rationally given Calvo-type constraints on price setting. The other type sets prices according to a rule-of-thumb. This results in a Phillips curve with both a forward-looking term and a backward-looking term. The theoretically appropriate central bank loss function for this model is derived. This loss function depends on the rate of change of inflation squared as well as inflation squared and the output gap squared. Optimal monetary policy for different relative values of the forward- and backward-looking terms is then analyzed for both the commitment case and the case of discretion. Finally the optimal Taylor rule responses to cost push supply shocks are characterized. Since the economy considered in this paper is closed the effects of international linkages on optimal monetary policy are not considered. Such effects will however be the focus of future research by the author.