Essay

Evaluating Monetary Policy with Unexpected Inflation

Imagine a central bank sets its nominal policy interest rate at 4%, with the goal of achieving a 2% real interest rate based on an inflation forecast of 2%. One year later, the actual inflation rate is measured at 5%. Critically evaluate the central bank's policy decision. In your evaluation, you should:

  1. Distinguish between the intended (ex-ante) real interest rate and the actual (ex-post) real interest rate that resulted.
  2. Assess the impact of this outcome on the real cost of borrowing for firms and the real return for savers.
  3. Conclude whether the central bank's policy stance was, in hindsight, tighter or looser than originally intended and explain why.

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Updated 2025-08-17

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