This paper investigates theoretically using an economic model whether inflation targeting policy is an optimum policy or not in developing countries, where central banks have engaged in quasi fiscal activities. Technically, the paper compares between two strat- egies; inflation targeting policy and Morris and Shin (2002a) strat- egy, in which the expected inflation rate is built based on external and internal signals.
The result proves that inflation targeting policy is not an optimum under a dependent central bank. Agents in developing countries do not react to inflation targeting policy because of the high uncer- tainty level. They prefer to rely on external signals. Moreover, we prove that an effective inflation targeting policy requires more eco- nomic certainty and stability.
Keywords: inflation targeting, asymmetric loss function, central bank's ability, quasi-fiscal activities, developing countries