July 2000 (Revised) <p> The paper analyzes an open economy where fiscal deficits are incompatible with an inflation target, ultimately leading to a speculative attack. There are two differences to the exchange rate targeting case: (i) The attack takes place over a short period of time as opposed to...</p>

This paper analyzes a small open economy model under inflation targeting. It shows why such a monetary regime is vulnerable to speculative attacks that take place over a short period rather than instantaneously. The speed at which the regime collapses, and the extent of reserve losses, are...