The Euro and Monetary Policy Transparency

Abstract

This paper focuses on a possible explanation for the weakness of the euro, namely the lack of transparency of the European Central Bank's (ECB) monetary policy. In order to obtain a time-varying measure of monetary policy uncertainty in both the U.S. and Euroland, we estimate a Stochastic Volatility model using policy-adjusted short-term interest rates. We also analyze directly the impact of higher uncertainty on the euro-dollar exchange rate. The empirical findings are in line with those of other studies, and show that the U.S. Fed is more transparent than the ECB. This results in higher volatility of European interest rates, capital outflows, and a weaker euro vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar.