Staff Reports
The Financial (In)Stability Real Interest Rate, R**
Number 946
November 2020 Revised October 2022

JEL classification: E4, E5, G0

Authors: Ozge Akinci, Gianluca Benigno, Marco Del Negro, and Albert Queralto

We introduce the concept of a financial stability real interest rate using a macroeconomic banking model with an occasionally binding financing constraint, as in Gertler and Kiyotaki (2010). The financial stability interest rate, r**, is the threshold interest rate that triggers the constraint being binding. We discuss r** and its dynamics and show that persistently low real rates induce an increase in financial vulnerabilities and a consequent decline in the level of r**. We also provide a measure of r** for the U.S. economy and discuss its evolution over the past fifty years, highlighting that during periods of financial stress that are associated with a decline in r** , the real rate tracks r**—a feature of monetary policy known as “Greenspan’s put.”

Available only in PDF
AUTHOR DISCLOSURE STATEMENT(S)
Ozge Akinci
The author declares that she has no relevant or material financial interests that relate to the research described in this paper. Prior to circulation, this paper was reviewed in accordance with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York review policy, available at https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/staff_reports/index.html.

Gianluca Benigno
The author declares that he has no relevant or material financial interests that relate to the research described in this paper. Prior to circulation, this paper was reviewed in accordance with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York review policy, available at https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/staff_reports/index.html.

Marco Del Negro
The author declares that he has no relevant or material financial interests that relate to the research described in this paper. Prior to circulation, this paper was reviewed in accordance with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York review policy, available at https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/staff_reports/index.html.

Albert Queralto
The author declares that he has no relevant or material financial interests that relate to the research described in this paper. Prior to circulation, this paper was reviewed in accordance with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York review policy, available at https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/staff_reports/index.html.
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. You can learn more about how we use cookies by reviewing our Privacy Statement.   Close