Modeling the French Consumption Function Using SETAR Models

We provide new estimations on aggregate consumption series in France using the framework of non-stationary threshold models. Most macroeconomists agree with the idea that, since the beginning of the seventies, the saving ratio has evolved irregularly. Such irregularities are usually interpreted as being caused by mispecification problems or measurement errors. We suggest another explanation that strengthens the role played by structural breaks caused by endogenous factors such as habit formation. In this view, we use threshold models (SETAR) to study both the dynamics of short and long term in order to account for the existence of asymmetric effects in the relationship between consumption and some of its determinants. The estimations and forecasts obtained show that the SETAR error correction model leads to better performance than other specifications such as the usual linear error correction model, the quadratic error correction model and the cubic error correction model.

Real Exchange Rates in Central and Eastern Europe : What Scope for the Underlying Fundamentals?

The aim of this paper is to study the the fundamental macroeconomic determinants of both the CPI and the PPI-based real effective exchange rate in 5 selected acceding countries from Central and Eastern Europe, i.E the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. The paper is based on the combination of two approaches widely used for transition economies, namely the Behavioral Equilibrium Exchange Rate (BEER) and the Structural VAR. Indeed, a cointegration approach is adopted and the estimated VECM model attempts to connect in a structural way the real effective exchange rate to labor productivity, the relative price of non-tradable goods, public deficit and the current account position. Impulse response functions are subsequently employed to investigate how shock in the underlying fundamentals impacts on the effective real exchange rates.

Changing-regime volatility: A fractionally integrated SETAR model

This paper presents a 2-regime SETAR model with different long-memory processes in both regimes. We briefly present the memory properties of this model and propose an estimation method. Such a process is applied to the absolute and squared returns of five stock indices. A comparison with simple FARIMA models is made using some forecastibility criteria. Our empirical results suggest that our model offers an interesting alternative competing framework to describe the persistent dynamics in modeling the returns.SETAR ;Long-memory ;Stock indices ;Forecasting

Testing the finance-growth link: is there a difference between developed and developing countries?

We revisit the evidence of the existence of a long-run link between financial intermediation and economic growth, by testing of cointegration between the growth rate of real GDP, control variables and three series reflecting financial intermediation. We consider a model with a factor structure that allows us to determine whether the finance-growth link is due to cross countries dependence and/or whether it characterises countries with strong heterogeneities. We employ techniques recently proposed in the panel data literature, such as PANIC analysis and cointegration in common factor models. Our results show differences between the developed and developing countries. We run a comparative regression analysis on the 1980-2006 period and find that financial intermediation is a positive determinant of growth in developed countries, while it acts negatively on the economic growth of developing countries.financial intermediation, growth, common factor, panel data, PANIC analysis

A SETAR model with long-memory dynamics

This paper presents a 2-regime SETAR model where the process under examination is governed by a long-memory process in the first regime and a short-memory process in the second regime. Persistence properties are studied and methods for locating the threshold parameter are proposed. Such a process presents a useful application to financial data and is applied to stock indices and individual assets.

Modeling transition in Central Asia: the Case of Kazakhstan

This paper presents a small macro-econometric model of Kazakhstan to study the impact of various economic policies. It uses a new approach to test the existence of a level relationship between a dependent variable and a set of regressors, when the characteristics of the regressors’ non-stationarity are not known with certainty. The simulations provide insights into the role of a tight monetary policy, higher foreign direct investment, and rises in nominal wages and in crude oil prices. The results obtained are in line with economic observations and give some support to the policies chosen as priority targets by the Kazakh authorities for the forthcoming years.Simulation, Forecasting, Transition, Stabilization, Central Asian

Business cycles asymmetry and monetary policy: a further investigatio= n=20 using MRSTAR models

This paper investigates the asymmetric effects of monetary shocks when the=20 impact of monetary policy on real activity works through state-dependent=20 variables. We use a nonlinear model, the multiple regime smooth transition=20 autoregressive model, that allows the effects of shocks to vary across the b= usiness=20 cycles when monetary innovations modify both the endogenous and state variab= les.=20 Our impulse response function show a history-dependence property. Indeed,=20 hitting the economy at a given time induces persistence and asymmetric respo= nses=20 across histories and shocks. The empirical application concerns the US over=20= the=20 period 1975:1- 1998:2

A FOREWARNING INDICATOR SYSTEM FOR FINANCIAL CRISES : THE CASE OF SIX CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

We propose a measure of the probability of crises associated with an aggregate indicator, where the percentage of false alarms and the proportion of missed signals can be combined to give an appreciation of the vulnerability of an economy. In this perspective, the important issue is not only to determine whether a system produces true predictions of a crisis, but also whether there are forewarning signs of a forthcoming crisis prior to its actual occurrence. To this end, we adopt the approach initiated by Kaminsky, Lizondo and Reinhart (1998), analyzing each indicator and calculating each threshold separately. We depart from this approach in that each country is also analyzed separately, permitting the creation of a more “custom-made” early warning system for each one.Currency Crisis, Early Warning System, Composite Indicator, Eastern Europe.

A Forewarning Indicator System for Financial Crises : The Case of Six Central and Eastern European Countries

We propose a measure of the probability of crises associated with an aggregate indicator, where the percentage of false alarms and the proportion of missed signals can be combined to give an appreciation of the vulnerability of an economy. In this perspective, the important issue is not only to determine whether a system produces true predictions of a crisis, but also whether there are forewarning signs of a forthcoming crisis prior to its actual occurrence. To this end, we adopt the approach initiated by Kaminsky, Lizondo and Reinhart (1998), analyzing each indicator and calculating each threshold separately. We depart from this approach in that each country is also analyzed separately, permitting the creation of a more ìcustom-madeî early warning system for each one.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/64414/1/wp901.pd