Using a simple cointegrated vector autoregression (VAR) I find strong evidence for a liquidity effect at policy relevant time horizons with a broad monetary aggregate. The liquidity effect is present for both nominal and real interest rates.

Persistence in economic variables is common. We re-examine that using a time-varying parameter model. Results support a substantial reduction in persistence, particularly, when allowing for time-variation in the constant. This has important implications for policy-making and the effect of shocks.