The central-bank balance sheet as an instrument of monetarypolicy

We extend a standard New Keynesian model to allow an analysis of “unconventional” dimensions of policy alongside traditional interest-rate policy. We find that quantitative easing in the strict sense is likely to be ineffective, but that targeted asset purchases by a central bank can instead be effective when financial markets are sufficiently disrupted, and we discuss the conditions under which such interventions increase welfare. We also discuss optimal policy with regard to the payment of interest on reserves.