Show and Tell: The effects of seeing, hearing and perceiving central bank messages

The proposed project aims to examine how the non-verbal communication of central bank policymakers, as well as how the media interprets and disseminates this communication, impact financial markets and public opinion. Focusing on communications from the Federal Reserve and Bank of Canada, the research will explore how various groups, including traders and journalists, interpret and react to emotional cues. By investigating the role of both conventional and social media in spreading soft information and analyzing how emotional signals influence news coverage, the project seeks to improve comprehension of market dynamics and public perceptions. Additionally, the research aims to uncover systematic differences in the interpretation of central bank communications based on the geographical background and political affiliation of the media outlets, shedding light on how these factors shape market behavior and media representation. This collaborative endeavor will expand and elevate the research initiatives led by Professor Alexopoulos and the Bank of Canada, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of monetary policy and its societal impact.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michelle Alexopoulos

Student:

Partner:

Kyiv School of Economics

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: