Divergence in Economic Performance: Transitional Dynamics with Multiple Equilibria

Special pairs of the utility functions and the production functions are used in this paper to uncover the transitional dynamics in a Lucas model of growth. The main findings are as follows: A continuum of equilibria exists if the external effect of human capital in goods production is sufficiently large. The process of lagging behind, catching up with, and overtaking that we often observe in the world economy can be explained. Finally, some equilibrium paths are shown to have such complicated patterns that the dynamics conjectured by Lucas are too simple to be correct.Transitional Dynamics, Multiple Equilibria, Lucas Model

Explicit Transitional Dynamics in Growth Models

Transitional dynamics in growth models have been subject to much attention recently. With a few exceptions, existing studies rely on computational techniques. This paper uses a set of examples to illustrate that qualitative insights on the transitional dynamics can be gained at the expense of using special utility-production pairs. In continuous time framework, necessary and sufficient conditions are established for a utility-production pair to yield explicit dynamics. These conditions are potentially useful for applications in other dynamic settings.Transitional Dynamics, Growth

On Time Inconsistency: A Technical Issue in Stackelberg Differential Games

Stackelberg differential games are useful settings in which optimal government policies can be studied. This paper argues that the analysis of these games involves a key technical issue. In particular, we question the necessity for optimality of one boundary condition invoked in existing literature. The issue is of key interest because the boundary condition is largely responsible for the time inconsistency results previously obtained. We show that the boundary condition is not necessary in some cases. As a result, our finding undermines the credibility of the existing conclusions. Forthcoming 1997: Journal of Economic Theory.Time Inconsistency; Stackelberg Differential Game

Power Risk Aversion Utility Functions

This paper introduces a new class of utility function -- the power risk aversion.It is shown that the CRRA and CARA utility functions are both in this class. The implications of the PRA utility functions are explored in the context of growth theory. In particular, it is found that economies facing a common real interest rate do not necessarily grow at the same rates if they start with different levels of capital stock. Thus diversity in growth performance across countries occurs even if these countries have access to perfect international capital markets. Potential applications of the PRA in asset pricing are considered.Power Risk Aversion, Growth, Asset Pricing

A Dynamic General Equilibrium Framework of Investment with Financing Constraint

In this paper, we provide a dynamic general equilibrium framework with an explicit investment-financing constraint. The constraint is intended as a reduced form to capture the balance sheet effects that have been widely regarded as an important determinant of financial crises. We derive a link between the value of a firm and social welfare. Using this link, we show the somewhat surprising possibility that the value of a firm can be greater with the constraint. Our model also sheds light on how the effects of productivity shocks and investors' misperception of productivity shocks may be amplified by the financing constraint. Copyright 2003, International Monetary Fund

A Dynamic General Equilibrium Framework of Investment with Financing Constraint

In this paper, we provide a dynamic general equilibrium framework with an explicit investment-financing constraint. The constraint is intended as a reduced form to capture the balance sheet effects that have been widely regarded as an important determinant of financial crises. We derive a link between the value of the firm and social welfare. We find that the value of the firm can be greater with the constraint. Our model also sheds light on how the effects of productivity shocks and investors' misperception of productivity shocks may be amplified by the financing constraint.Investment Constraint, Value of the Firm

To B or Not To B: A Welfare Analysis of Breaking Up Monopolies in an Endogenous Growth Model

This paper studies the welfare consequences of a government regulation that forces a patented equipment to be supplied by a number of independent producers. On the one hand, such a regulation hurts the value of a patent and therefore reduces activities in the R&D sector. On the other hand, the enhanced competition for the equipment improves efficiency in the manufacturing sector. Should monopolies protected by intellectual property rights be broken up? The answer is "no" in a Romer-type growth model, but there is sufficient reason to believe that the answer could be "yes" in a model advocated by Jones (1995).R&D, Endogenous Growth, Competition Policy

Toward a Theory of Asset Subscription

This paper develops an understanding toward a theory of asset subscription. When a firm needs to raise cash from an asset that is too large or too risky for a single individual or financial institution so that an auction method is not applicable, the firm may use a subscription scheme. In this paper, we discuss a Nash subscription (NS) scheme and a sequential subscription (SS) scheme. We characterize the optimal strategy when the value of the asset is known. The comparison between a NS and a SS is provided. The difference between an auction scheme and a subscription scheme is discussed.Nash subscription, sequential subscription, auction

MODIS: A Market-Oriented Deposit Insurance Scheme

This paper argues that an optimal deposit insurance scheme would allow the level of insurance coverage to be determined by the market. Based on this principle, the paper proposes an insurance scheme that minimizes distortions and embodies fairness and credibility, two essential characteristics of a viable and effective deposit insurance scheme. Using a simple model for the determination of the optimal level of insurance coverage, it is shown that the optimal coverage is higher for developing compared to developed countries; a condition that is broadly satisfied by prevailing deposit insurance practices around the world.Deposit Insurance; Market-Oriented Approach

Should Public Capital Be Subsidized or Provided?

In an endogenous-growth model, we consider alternative ways of providing public capital using distortionary taxes. We show that if the government provides the good, the resulting growth rate and welfare may or may not be higher than under laissez-faire. By contrast, if the government subsidizes private providers, not only are growth and welfare higher than under public provision, they are also unambiguously higher than under laissez-faire.