This paper analyzes the possible inception of rational inflationary bubbles under the assumption that the empirically relevant environment precludes the existence of rational deflationary bubbles. The analysis shows that if a rational inflationary bubble exists, then it must have started on the date of initial issuance of the fiat money. Moreover, the existence of a rational inflationary bubble would imply that, prior to the initial issuance of the fiat money, agents who anticipated its introduction expected a rational inflationary bubble to occur. The analysis also shows that once a rational inflationary bubble bursts it cannot restart. The analysis, however, does not preclude the existence of a rational inflationary bubble that shrinks periodically, but never bursts. The limitations on the inception and existence of rational inflationary bubbles also apply to rational exchange-rate bubbles.
*Published:
Diba, Behzad T. and Herschel I. Grossman. "Rational Inflationary Bubbles," Journal of Monetary Economics, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 35-46, (January 1988).
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