Optimal and Time-Consistent Polices in Continuous Time Rational Expectations Models

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In this note the method of Hamiltonian dynamics is used to characterize the time-consistent solution to the optimal control problem in a deterministic continuous time rational expectations model. A linear quadratic example based on the work of Miller and Salmon is used for simplicity. To derive the time-consistent rational expectations (or subgame-perfect) solution we first characterize the optimal solution made familiar e.g. through the work of Calvo. The time-consistent solution is then obtained by modifying the optimal solution through the requirement that the co-state variables (shadow prices) of the non-predetermined variables be zero at each instant. Existing solution methods and computational algorithms can be used to obtain the behaviour of the system under optimal policy and under time-consistent policy.

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