We compare and analyze two commonly used specifications of the interest rate term in the objective function of the monetary authority; a squared interest rate term (Alternative I) and a squared first difference of the interest rate (Alternative II). We find that the inflation response to a...

We propose a simple methodology to estimate the short-term natural rate of interest (NRI) in small open economies. Following Clarida et al.(2002), the NRI depends on the expected growth of (1) domestic potential output and (2) output abroad. We use observable expectations within an estimated...