The Impact of the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) on the Implementation of Monetary Policy
This paper analyses the impact of the short‐term component of the new Basel III liquidity standards, namely the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), on the implementation of monetary policy in the euro area. It employs a conceptual framework to investigate the interaction between the money market and monetary policy implementation. Based thereon, it argues that the isolated focus on the impact on the LCR tends to underestimate the future challenges to monetary policy implementation for two reasons: first, feedback and network dynamics exacerbate the impact of the standard; second, the ongoing crisis itself challenges monetary policy implementation in the euro area by its impact on the (perceived) arbitrage relationship between open market operations and the unsecured money market. The paper concludes by discussing potential policy reactions concerning both, the calibration of the LCR and the framework for monetary policy implementation.
Liquidity Regulation and the Implementation of Monetary Policy
In addition to revamping existing rules for bank capital, Basel III introduces a new global framework for liquidity regulation. One part of this framework is the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), which requires banks to hold sufficient high-quality liquid assets to survive a 30-day period of market stress. As monetary policy typically involves targeting the interest rate on loans of one of these assets — central bank reserves — it is important to understand how this regulation may impact the efficacy of central banks’ current operational frameworks. We introduce term funding and an LCR requirement into an otherwise standard model of monetary policy implementation. Our model shows that if banks face the possibility of an LCR shortfall, then the usual link between open market operations and the overnight interest rate changes and the short end of the yield curve becomes steeper. Our results suggest that central banks may want to adjust their operational frameworks as the new regulation is implemented.
Practical, legal, and ethical issues in expanded access to investigational drugs.
The authors review the FDA policies and procedures that permit some patients with serious conditions to receive investigational drugs before formal product approval and examine the legal and ethical issues associated with expanded access.