The New Economy and the Old Monetary Economies

11 Pages Posted: 2 Aug 2005

See all articles by Willem H. Buiter

Willem H. Buiter

Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute); Columbia University; Independent Economic Adviser; Independent

Abstract

In this speech, Willem H Buiter, member of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee, argues that the behavior in recent years of the world economy, led by the United States, can, in the opinion of a number of observers, only be understood by abandoning the old conventional wisdoms and adopting a 'New Paradigm'. Prominent among the structural transformations associated with the New Paradigm are the following: increasing openness; financial innovation; lower global inflation; lower profit margins, reflecting stronger competitive pressures; buoyant stock markets defying conventional valuation methods; a lower natural rate of unemployment; and a higher trend rate of growth of productivity. In this speech, Professor Buiter makes two distinct points. First, the New Paradigm has been over-hyped. Second, to the extent that we can see a New Paradigm in action, its implications for monetary policy have often been misunderstood.

Suggested Citation

Buiter, Willem H., The New Economy and the Old Monetary Economies. Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin, May 2000, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=764266

Willem H. Buiter (Contact Author)

Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

London
United Kingdom

CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)

Poschinger Str. 5
Munich, DE-81679
Germany

HOME PAGE: http://www.CESifo.de

Columbia University ( email )

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New York, NY
United States

Independent Economic Adviser ( email )

Independent ( email )