Liquidity Trap in an Inflation-targeting Framework: A Graphical Analysis1

This paper presents a simple New Keynesian model with alternative assumptions regarding the conduct of monetary policy. The central bank is assumed to either follow a Taylor rule or minimise a social welfare loss function. The model can be tractably described by means of a straightforward graphical apparatus, which, so far, has not been extended to include the treatment of the liquidity trap. The paper presents an analysis of the zero nominal interest rate bound using this apparatus and discusses the implications of pre-emptive monetary easing when the macroeconomic conditions suggest that the bound may restrict future monetary policy effectiveness.