Monetary policy and the redistribution of net worth in the U.S

ABSTRACT This paper aims to study the distributive effects of monetary policy on wealth inequality in the US. Combining macro and micro data, we find that wealth inequality increases after an expansionary monetary policy shock, especially in the long run. Specifically, we find that an expansionary monetary policy shock substantially increases the net worth of the richest and the poorest households, while the middle class tends to benefit the least. A remarkable policy implication of our work is that, considering the post-pandemic situation, forthcoming monetary policy should be designed to avoid these unwanted effects on wealth inequality.