How monetary policy affects the economy is a central question in macroeconomics. Standard economic thinking predicts interest rate cuts boost economic activity. This idea has recently been challenged by claims that changes in monetary policy have a so-called ‘information effect’. Calvin He explores this concept further in this discussion paper.

This paper examines how monetary policy affects housing prices across local areas. It also explores three related questions - How differently do housing prices respond to monetary policy across areas? What can explain these differences across areas? Does monetary policy cause changes in the housing wealth distribution?