Volatility transmission in the European money market

The European overnight rate (Eonia) is the operational target of the European Central Bank (ECB) that signals the monetary policy stance and anchors the term structure of interest rates. This paper empirically investigates the transmission of Eonia volatility to longer term money market rates. Distinguishing between seasonal Eonia volatility due to, e.g., calendar effects and non-seasonal volatility which may be closer related to uncertainty about the policy intentions of the ECB reveals a significant volatility transmission even for the twelve-month rate. We also examine how the ECB’s new operational framework introduced in March 2004 has influenced the Eonia and the transmission of volatility along the yield curve.