Nonlinear relationship between inflation and inflation uncertainty in Taiwan

Abstract

Using Taiwan data, the study employs Hamilton's (2001) flexible regression model to investigate the relationship between inflation and inflation uncertainty. The results convincingly support Friedman's hypothesis that a rise in the inflation rate increases inflation uncertainty. This result, however, holds only in a positive inflation regime. When the inflation rate is in a negative inflation regime, one clearly notes that a drop in the inflation rate also increases inflation uncertainty. Thus Friedman's argument is complemented by advocating that a rise in the absolute inflation rate increases inflation uncertainty. Turning to Cukierman-Meltzer's hypothesis, both linear and nonlinear inflation uncertainties affect the inflation rate, where the former has positive but the latter has negative effects.