Inflation, Credibility, and the Role of the International Monetary Fund

Author/Editor:

Curzio Giannini ; Carlo Cottarelli

Publication Date:

September 1, 1998

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

This paper argues that many developing countries may find it difficult to buttress disinflation programs purely through the adoption of traditional credibility-enhancing devices (such as monetary anchors and central bank independence), owing to “technical problems” (for example, high instability of money demand, increased capital mobility) and an insufficient endowment of credibility in the political institutions. In these cases, borrowing credibility from an outside agency like the International Monetary Fund may be the most effective solution. The paper discusses the different options that would allow the Fund to support programs aimed not at external adjustment—the Fund’s traditional role—but at disinflation.

Series:

Policy Discussion Paper No. 1998/012

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

September 1, 1998

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451969337/1564-5193

Stock No:

PPIEA0121998

Pages:

26

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