We examine the dynamic properties of inflation in a model of optimal discretionary fiscal and monetary policies. The lack of commitment and the presence of nominally risk-free debt provide the government with an incentive to implement policies which induce positive and persistent inflation...

We study the monetary instrument problem in a model of optimal discretionary fiscal and monetary policy. The policy problem is cast as a dynamic game between the central bank, the fiscal authority, and the private sector. We show that, as long as there is a conflict of interest between the two...

A monetary policy rule is a function mapping any given output level of the economy to a corresponding rate of inflation. Such a rule is time-consistent if the central bank has no incentive to deviate from it. Within a simple dynamic model combining an output-inflation trade-off with rational...