The Forward Guidance Puzzle

Abstract

This paper argues that standard dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models grossly overestimate the impact of forward guidance on the macroeconomy, a phenomenon we call the “forward guidance puzzle.” Using data from a panel of Blue Chip survey expectations, we show that accommodative forward guidance had effects on output and inflation expectations that were positive and nontrivial, but still 28 and 8 times smaller, respectively, than implied by standard models. We show that incorporating a perpetual youth structure into the benchmark provides one possible resolution to the puzzle.