Monetary Economics

Monetary policy influences inflation, employment, and economic activity. A stable but dynamic monetary system is vital for supporting economic growth, individual liberty, and a prosperous society. Therefore, we examine the causes and consequences of monetary policy (including inflation), identify ideal and practical steps towards a better monetary policy regime, and look at monetary alternatives and financial regulation.

Articles

El Salvador Is Not the Birthplace of Bitcoin’s Future

Peter C. Earle June 15, 2021

“Imposing the use of Bitcoin by force through a software oligopoly–through a scheme which may ultimately pose a threat to the entire El Salvadoran economy–is almost as far from Satoshi’s Bitcoin objectives as the fiat dollar is.” ~ Peter C. Earle

This Claim of Market Failure Deserves No Credit

Donald J. Boudreaux June 15, 2021

“If you who claim to identify a market failure could, but don’t, voluntarily put your own money where your mouth is in an attempt to address that alleged failure, why should anyone listen to your pleas for government to coercively put other people’s money where your mouth is?” ~ Donald J. Boudreaux

Where Economics and Management Studies Overlap: A Brief Review of Austrian Perspectives on Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Organization

Art Carden June 13, 2021

“Elements is a good refresher for people who haven’t thought about it in a while, and I think it’s also a good jumping-off point for teachers looking to organize lectures and classroom activities. Yes, markets tend toward equilibrium, but this Element points us to the journey, and that’s where all the entrepreneurial action is.” ~ Art Carden

Problems of Federal Reserve Policy—and How to Solve Them

Thomas L. Hogan June 8, 2021

“To stabilize the economy, informed citizens must study the faults of discretionary central banking and call for reforms to protect against them. ‘Money and the Rule of Law’ accomplishes the first goal. The second is up to us.” ~ Thomas L. Hogan

Is the Fed Paying Banks Not to Lend?

Thomas L. Hogan June 6, 2021

“The evidence shows that banks treated excess reserves as a profitable alternative to loans. High rates of IOER caused them to increase reserve holdings and decrease their loan allocations. The Fed was indeed paying banks not to lend.” ~ Thomas L. Hogan

Why Do Inflation Expectations Matter?

James L. Caton June 3, 2021

“Powell is telegraphing to the market that he hears their concerns about inflation. We will have to wait through the next several months to learn whether or not investors will be convinced.” ~ James L. Caton