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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 January 2021
Multiple equilibria arise in standard New Keynesian models when the nominal interest rate is set according to the Taylor rule and constrained by a zero lower bound (ZLB). One of these equilibria is deflationary and referred to as an expectations-driven liquidity trap (ELT) as it arises because of the de-anchoring of inflation expectations. This study demonstrates that a simple tax rule responding to inflation can prevent a liquidity trap from arising without increasing government spending or debt. We analytically investigate the necessary and sufficient conditions to prevent an ELT and show that both the frequency and persistence of ELT episodes affect the extent to which the tax rule must respond to inflation. In brief, the higher the frequency or the longer the persistence of the ELT, the greater the response of the tax rate must be.
The author would like to thank the associate editor, two anonymous referees, as well as Anton Braun, Fumio Hayashi, Yasuo Hirose, Daisuke Ikeda, Taisuke Nakata, and Francesco Zanetti for their helpful comments. The author acknowledges the financial support of the Keio Economic Society for the provision of English language editing. The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated institution.