A Demand Theory of the Price Level

Abstract

Heterogeneous agent incomplete markets models offer a new perspective on price and inflation determination. In contrast to complete markets, the price level is determined from the asset-market clearing condition. Fiscal and monetary policy then jointly and uniquely determine the finite steady-state price level and the inflation rate, including in a steady state in which the nominal interest rate is constant. Fiscal policy can determine the long-run inflation rate for a fiscal rule which sets the growth rate of nominal government debt, whereas both fiscal and monetary policy determine the long-run inflation rate under different tax rules.