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Do Deficits Cause Inflation? A High Frequency Narrative Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Jonathon Hazell

    (London School of Economics)

  • Stephan Hobler

    (London School of Economics)

Abstract
This paper measures the causal effect of deficits on inflation using a “high frequency narrative approach”. We identify an event that released news about the 2021 deficits in the United States—the Georgia Senate election runoff. We calculate the size of the shock using new narrative data from investment banks. We then study the high frequency response of inflation forecasts from asset prices, in order to separate deficits from other factors affecting inflation. We estimate an “inflation multiplier” of 0.18% price level growth over two years, for a 1% deficit-to-GDP shock. Our estimate implies that the 2021 deficits caused around 30% of the 2021-22 inflation—meaning deficits were important but not the only cause. A standard heterogeneous agent New Keynesian model quantitatively matches the size and dynamics inflation multiplier.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathon Hazell & Stephan Hobler, 2024. "Do Deficits Cause Inflation? A High Frequency Narrative Approach," Discussion Papers 2439, Centre for Macroeconomics (CFM).
    • Handle: RePEc:cfm:wpaper:2439
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    References listed on IDEAS

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