The Shanghai Development Research Foundation (SDRF) recently hosted a superb dialog on issues stretching from China, the international monetary system, re-thinking the nature of money, among others. I had the pleasure of presenting on “Market Implications from Unconventional Monetary Policies.”
My remarks centered on:
The need to assess the normalization of monetary policies through the lens of major macro shifts over the last 10 years.
Specifically, three “never befores” need to be resolved. For instance, “never before” has there been such 1) large scale intervention by central banks and governments; 2) growth in the financial regulatory apparatus and labyrinth of rules governing markets; and 3) distortions across a wide range of financial markets.
Here, CFS monetary and financial data illustrate why goods price inflation has remained subdued and – in contrast – asset price inflation has not.
Evaluation of long-term stock and bond market valuations reveal market distortions.
Speculative positioning has been actively influenced by the patterns of rise and restraint in balance sheet operations in recent years.
Going forward, officials would benefit by seeking balance among these three “never before” forces.
For slides accompanying the presentation: http://www.centerforfinancialstability.org/speeches/ShanghaiDRF_090517.pdf
On a parenthetical note, I left China excited with advances in mobile pay. It will redefine the nature of money.