MONEY AND BANKING

MONEY AND BANKING

Pierpaolo Benigno

Instructional goals

By the end of this course, students will be able to: Understand the role of money in the economy – Explain the functions of money and distinguish between different types of money, including commodity money, fiat money, and digital currencies. Analyze the structure and functions of financial institutions – Describe the role of commercial banks, central banks, and other financial intermediaries in facilitating savings, investment, and the allocation of capital. Examine the workings of central banking and monetary policy – Understand how central banks implement monetary policy using tools such as interest rates, reserve requirements, and open market operations. Evaluate the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy – Analyze how changes in the monetary policy stance affect inflation, output, and employment through various transmission channels. Interpret the role of money and banking in economic fluctuations – Understand how monetary factors contribute to business cycles, financial crises, and long-term economic growth. Apply theoretical and empirical models – Use basic models such as the IS-LM, AD-AS, and money demand frameworks to assess macroeconomic conditions and policy effectiveness. Discuss contemporary issues in money and banking – Critically assess current topics such as inflation targeting, central bank independence, the zero lower bound, digital currencies, and financial regulation. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills – Interpret data, graphs, and policy documents related to monetary economics and banking systems.

Intended learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to: Explain the role and functions of money in the economy. Describe the structure and operations of banking and financial institutions. Understand how central banks conduct monetary policy. Analyze the effects of monetary policy on inflation and output. Apply basic macroeconomic models to monetary and banking issues. Interpret current debates on monetary policy and financial regulation.

Course Contents

By the end of this course, students will be able to: Understand the role of money in the economy – Explain the functions of money and distinguish between different types of money, including commodity money, fiat money, and digital currencies. Analyze the structure and functions of financial institutions – Describe the role of commercial banks, central banks, and other financial intermediaries in facilitating savings, investment, and the allocation of capital. Examine the workings of central banking and monetary policy – Understand how central banks implement monetary policy using tools such as interest rates, reserve requirements, and open market operations. Evaluate the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy – Analyze how changes in the monetary policy stance affect inflation, output, and employment through various transmission channels. Interpret the role of money and banking in economic fluctuations – Understand how monetary factors contribute to business cycles, financial crises, and long-term economic growth. Apply theoretical and empirical models – Use basic models such as the IS-LM, AD-AS, and money demand frameworks to assess macroeconomic conditions and policy effectiveness. Discuss contemporary issues in money and banking – Critically assess current topics such as inflation targeting, central bank independence, the zero lower bound, digital currencies, and financial regulation. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills – Interpret data, graphs, and policy documents related to monetary economics and banking systems.

Reference Books

Benigno, Pierpaolo. 2025. Monetary Economics and Policy. Princeton University Press. Cecchetti and Shoenholtz. 2024. Money, Banking, and Financial Markets

Teaching Methods

Lectures

Assessment Method

Exam

Thesis assignment criteria

Minimum Grade Required 28/30 in the course

Week 1

Definition of Currency

Week 2

Definition of Money

Week 3

Cryptocurrencies

Week 4

Bubbles

Week 5

Interest rates and monetary policy

Week 6

Interest rate and Term Structure

Week 7

Stock Market and Market Efficiency. Foreign Exchange Rate

Week 8

Central Bank, Monetary Policy and Stabilization of Prices and Output

Week 9

Central Bank and Optimal Monetary Policy

Week 10

Financial Intermediation and Banks

Week 11

Central Bank Digital Currency

Week 12

Decentralized Finance