We use the inflation premium—the difference between nominal and real interest rates—as a proxy for expected inflation in the context of the New Keynesian Phillips Curve. Using data from inflation-indexed and nominal bonds we estimate a forward-looking Phillips curve for the United Kingdom over the period 1985-2004. The proposed model describes UK inflation dynamics considerably better than does...

We use the inflation premium—the difference between nominal and real interest rates—as a proxy for expected inflation in the context of the New Keynesian Phillips Curve. Using data from inflation-indexed and nominal bonds we estimate a forward-looking Phillips curve for the United Kingdom over the period 1985-2004. The proposed model describes UK inflation dynamics considerably better than does...

www.philadelphiafed.org to the financial instruments that help guard savings from being eroded by inflation.1 Also, households and firms often write contracts that are stated in dollar amounts (nominal terms). A worker may, for example, sign a contract to work over the upcoming year for a fixed dollar amount. If inflation turns out to be higher than what was expected at the time the contract wa...

* I would like to thank Lutz Weinke for calling my attention to a mistake in my previous analysis of this model, Larry Christiano for helpful discussions, and Mauro Roca for research assistance.

I n most industrialized economies, periods of above average inflation tend to be associated with above average economic activity, for example, as measured by a relatively low unemployment rate. This statistical relationship, known as the Phillips curve, is sometimes invoked when economic commentators suggest that monetary policy should not try to suppress signs of inflation. But this interpreta...