Graduation Year

2018

Date of Submission

12-2017

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Economics

Reader 1

Richard Burdekin

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© 2017 Clara M. Madsen

Abstract

In this paper, I examine the effects of unconventional monetary policies and quantitative easing programs in the U.S and UK on their respective commercial real estate markets. I study two sample periods (2007-2017 and 2009-2017) and find that between 2007 and 2017, quantitative easing and the expansion of the U.S monetary base significantly drives the returns of the U.S commercial indices as well as the returns of the UK commercial index. Between 2009 and 2017, I find the expansion of the U.S monetary base only drives the UK commercial index. The difference in the results between these two sample periods may be a function of the magnitude of assets being purchased by the Fed prior to 2009 as well as the volatility and uncertainty that gripped the markets between October and December of 2008. I find that the UK index drives the expansion of the UK monetary base in both 2007-2017 and 2009-2017. This is likely the result of global uncertainty and volatility surrounding 2008 as well as the risk of financial market collapse inspiring monetary policy action. I also find the indices show a predominantly negative reaction to U.S and UK monetary policy events; suggesting the indices react negatively to the events that preceded the monetary policy announcements as well as the announcements themselves.

This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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