Testing Monetary Policy Trilemma for Middle Eastern Economies Under a Bayesian Panel VAR Specification

Abstract

Purpose: This research aims to investigate the presence of monetary policy trilemma in the Middle Eastern region and evaluate the spillover effects of US monetary policy on the region.   Theoretical framework: Middle Eastern economies follow the dollar pegged exchange rate policy with open capital account and this poses a question about the autonomy of the monetary policy stance adopted by the regional central banks. In this context, current research considers variables such as domestic interbank interest rate, domestic liquidity, oil price and federal fund rate to test the monetary policy trilemma in the region   Design/methodology/approach: To investigate the presence of monetary policy trilemma in the Middle Eastern region, this research employs the time - varying Bayesian panel vector autoregression approach and selects a panel of five Middle Eastern countries which include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait while considering the monthly data for the sample period 2009m10 until 2021m12.   Findings: This research finds that a positive shock in US federal fund rate increases the domestic interest rates in the Middle Eastern economies. In addition, this research finds a negative relationship between oil price shocks and domestic interest rates. Whereas a positive shock in US federal fund rates induces a reduction in the oil price.   Research, Practical & Social implications: Current research provides insights for policy makers to determine the autonomy of domestic monetary policy stance to achieve its broader macroeconomic objectives.   Originality/value: This research is unique as it examines the monetary policy trilemma while considering oil price as a control variable in the system under a time varying Bayesian panel vector autoregression specification.