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This paper addresses the credit channel in Germany by using aggregate data. We present a stylized model of the banking firm in which banks decide on their loan supply in the light of expectations about the future course of monetary policy. Applying a VAR model, we estimate the response of bank loans to a monetary policy shock taking account of the reaction of the output level and the loan rate. We estimate our model to evaluate the response of bank loans by matching the theoretical impulse responses with the empirical impulse responses to a monetary policy shock. Evidence in support of the credit channel can be reported.

This paper explores whether the cost channel solves the price puzzle. We set-up a New Keynesian DSGE model and estimate it for the euro area by adopting a minimum distance approach. Our findings suggest that -under certain parameter restrictions which are not rejected by the data -the cost channel helps to generate an initial rise of inflation after a monetary contraction.JEL Code: C51, E31, E32.

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Abstract:In a New Keynesian DSGE model with non-Ricardian consumers, we show that automatic stabilization according to a countercyclical spending rule following the idea of the debt brake is well suited both to steer the economy and in terms of welfare. In particular, the adjustment account set up to record public deficits and surpluses serves well to keep the level of government debt stable. However, it is essential to design its feedback to government spending correctly, where discretionary lapses should be corrected faster than lapses due to estimation errors.Keywords: fiscal policy, debt brake, welfare, dsge.JEL classification: E 32, G 61, E 62. Non-technical summaryThe possibilities and limits of fiscal policy regarding economic stabilization have moved center stage lately, certainly also prompted by the current economic downturn. In this context, it is continuously stressed that it is necessary to assure sustainability of public finances and the confidence therein. This can be achieved not least by reliable consolidation after the crisis, and -at least in normal times -by rule-based budget requirements. For example, the International Monetary Fund recently identified a possible positive role for rule-based fiscal policy emphasizing that is must be sustainable and reliable if countercyclical fiscal policy is to unfold its desired effects. While in the 1970s, there seemed to be confidence in somewhat active discretionary fiscal policy, further developments have shown that rule-based actions are needed because of reasons revealed in the political economic literature. This insight is also the basis for the fiscal framework of the European (monetary) union.The focus of the present paper is on the analysis of a rule-based fiscal policy, in particular, the "debt brake", which is expected to be introduced in Germany soon and has already been implemented in Switzerland. The discussion about the introduction of the debt brake has to be seen in the context of European fiscal rules, namely the European Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). As a rule, the SGP demands roughly balanced budgets in structural terms, while letting the automatic stabilizers take effect. The corrective arm of the pact is called on particularly if the 3% deficit ceiling is violated. The 60% debt ceiling also plays a role. As German national budgetary rules have not been consistent with the European framework, and they were largely assessed as being inappropriate with a view to limiting the increase in public debt, this was the hour of birth of the "Förderalismuskommission II" (federalism reform commission), which recently agreed on a proposal for the DB.Similar to the SGP, the debt brake demands (almost) structurally balanced budgets and, thus, ties cyclically adjusted government spending (including interest on outstanding debt) to cyclically adjusted trend revenues raised by the government and, therefore, acts as an automatic stabilizer since the government finances some of its expenditures from deficits in "bad times" while accumulating surpluses...