Non-standard monetary policy measures in non-normal times

We evaluate the macroeconomic effects of long-term sovereign-bond purchases by the central bank in an economy that is likely to be characterized by a low equilibrium real interest rate and a non-negligible probability of hitting the zero lower bound (ZLB) on the monetary-policy rate. Our analysis is based on simulations of a dynamic general equilibrium model for the euro area. The main results are the following. First, long-term sovereign-bond purchases reacting to a positive inflation gap help stabilize macroeconomic conditions when the monetary-policy rate hits the ZLB. Second, these purchases are an effective stabilization tool following positive shocks to the sovereign term premium and negative shocks to aggregate demand. Third, to stabilize the effects of expansionary demand shocks, the central bank can increase the monetary-policy rate according to an ‘aggressive’ Taylor rule, instead of selling long-term sovereign bonds.