A contribution to the pure theory of money

Nobuhiro Kiyotaki, Randall Wright

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

170 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article analyzes a general equilibrium model with search frictions and differentiated commodities. Because of the many differentiated commodities, barter is difficult in that it requires a double coincidence of wants, and this provides a medium of exchange role for fiat currency. We prove the existence of equilibrium with valued fiat money and show it is robust to certain changes in the environment. Rate of return dominance, liquidity, and the welfare implications of fiat money are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)215-235
Number of pages21
JournalJournal of Economic Theory
Volume53
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1991
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Economics and Econometrics

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