This primer provides an understanding of the mechanics and objectives of monetary policy using a benchmark new neoclassical synthesis (NNS) macromodel. The NNS model incorporates classical features such as a real business cycle (RBC) core, and Keynesian features such as monopolistically competitive firms and costly price adjustment. Price stability maximizes welfare in the benchmark NNS model because it keeps output at its potential defined as the outcome of an imperfectly competitive RBC model with a constant markup of price over marginal cost.

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