Using two estimated models for the euro area and the United States, this paper investigates whether the observed difference in the amplitude of the interest rate cycle since 1999 in both areas is due to differences in the estimated monetary policy reaction function, differences in the structure...

In times when short-term policy rates are at or near the zero lower bound, central banks use unconventional policies such as forward guidance and quantitative easing to influence the slope of the yield curve. In this paper, we analyze the dynamic responses of key U.S. macroeconomic variables to...

We examine the macroeconomic and term-premia implications of monetary policy uncertainty shocks. Using Eurodollar options, we employ the VIX methodology to measure implied volatility about future short-term interest rates at various horizons. We identify monetary policy uncertainty shocks using...

Using daily credit default swap (CDS) data, we find a positive relation between corporate credit risk and unexpected monetary policy shocks during FOMC announcement days. Positive shocks to interest rates increase the expected loss component of CDS spreads as well as a risk premium component....