About
Dr. Alexander Rathke is a Lecturer at the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics at ETH Zürich, where he is affiliated with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute (Konjunkturforschungsstelle). He maintains an active research profile in monetary economics, with particular expertise in central banking practices, monetary policy transmission, and economic forecasting.
Dr. Rathke's research focuses on several key areas within monetary economics:
- Analysis of central bank communication strategies, particularly regarding the European Central Bank
- Evaluation of monetary policy frameworks in small open economies
- Historical analysis of monetary policy decisions, including Swiss and European contexts
- Assessment of monetary system reform proposals, such as the Swiss 'Vollgeld' initiative
- Examination of how common economic shocks affect different countries and sectors within the euro area
His recent publications demonstrate a sophisticated approach to understanding monetary policy through both contemporary analysis and historical perspective. Dr. Rathke frequently collaborates with leading economists including Jan-Egbert Sturm, Tobias Straumann, and Sina Streicher. His work on ECB communication shows how central bank statements influence market expectations and professional forecasts across multiple economic variables. He has also made significant contributions to understanding Swiss monetary policy history, including the Swiss National Bank's approach since 1973 and critical evaluations of monetary reform proposals.
Dr. Rathke's research methodology combines theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis of financial markets and economic data, contributing valuable insights to both academic discourse and practical monetary policy considerations.
