This paper surveys recent advances in empirical studies of the monetary transmission mechanism (MTM), with special attention to Central and Eastern Europe. In particular, while laying out the functioning of the separate channels in the MTM, it explores possible interrelations between different...

This essay surveys macroeconomic issues that marked the transition from centrally planned to market economy in Central and Eastern European and former Soviet Union countries. We first establish a set of stylized facts of the transition so far, namely: (1) output fell, (2) capital shrank, (3)...

Most empirical studies on price setting that use micro data focus on advanced industrial countries. In this paper we analyze the experience of an emerging economy, Slovakia, using a large micro-level dataset that accounts for a substantial part of the consumer price index (about 5 million...

We develop a framework to study the effects of policies of uncertain duration onconsumption dynamics under both complete and incomplete markets. We focus on the dynamicimplications of market incompleteness, specifically on the lack of state-contingent bonds. Twopolicies are considered: pure...

In this paper we present evidence that capital account reversals have become more severe foremerging markets. Because policy options are limited in the midst of a capital market crisisand because so many countries have already had crises recently, we focus on some of thepolicies that could...

In recent years, many countries have suffered severe financial crises, producing a staggering tollon their economies, particularly in emerging markets. One view blames fixed exchange rates--“soft pegs”--for these meltdowns. Adherents to that view advise countries to allow theircurrency to...

Exchange-rate-based inflation stabilization programs cause a sizable loss of inflation tax revenue and thus open a fiscal gap. The stabilization literature usually assumes that this gap can be closed by raising lump-sum (nondistortionary) taxes and/or cutting lump-sum transfers. As such policies...

Mexico’s financial debacle and its impact on other emerging markets (the Tequila effect)has raised many fundamental questions. Mexico achieved fiscal balance in 1993, undertookseveral fundamental market-oriented reforms, signed a free trade agreement with a very largemarket (the NAFTA), became...

I was invited here to explain about Dollarization, the benefits and costs for the US and thecountries that adopt it. Before I start my formal presentation, I would like to state, in nouncertain terms, that I am a firm supporter of such system for many Emerging Market economies,EM, especially if...

In these notes I lay out basic considerations which I believe are relevant for the design ofmonetary/exchange-rate policy, MEP, in Mexico. In my view, there are no ‘magic’ formulas.For some countries, an iron-clad currency board may be a desirable arrangement, while for othersflexible...