Energy-related uncertainty shocks and inflation dynamics in the U.S: A multivariate quantile-on-quantile regression approach

Abstract

Existing literature suggests that uncertainty shocks can propagate like aggregate demand shocks or aggregate supply shocks. By way of extension, this study investigates the effect of energy-related uncertainty shocks on U.S. inflation while incorporating the effect of industrial production and interest rate uncertainty shocks. Using a multivariate quantile-on-quantile regression for the period 2000:M6 to 2019:M7, the findings reveal that energy-related uncertainty shocks amplify inflation by manifesting as cost-push shocks with a stronger connection emerging in quantiles slightly above the median quantile distribution of energy-related uncertainty. Although industrial production positively drives inflation, its effect is observed less around median quantiles of inflation than in the lower and upper quantiles. Furthermore, the effect of interest rate uncertainty is negative and stronger in quantiles around the median of inflation, suggesting that interest rate uncertainty behaves like aggregate demand shocks. Based on these findings, policy implications are offered.