This paper suggests an explanation for the frequent failure of domestic high 325
interest rate policies in counteracting the price level increases associated with tem- 326
porary capital inflows into emerging economies.The explanation is based on two 327
highly plausible and empirically supported assumptions about emerging financial 328
markets, imperfect asset substitutability and imperfect capital mobility for part of 329
7 The result is comparable to introducing temporary interest payments on cash in a cash-in-advance
economy.
M. Kumhof / Journal of International Money and Finance XX (2004) XXX–XXX 11
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the domestic banking system.The conclusion is that lower interest rates may be 330
required to reduce price level pressures.