Finite Sample Performance of a Conduct Parameter Test in Homogenous Goods Markets

Abstract

We assess the finite sample performance of the conduct parameter test in homogeneous goods markets. Statistical power rises with an increase in the number of markets, a larger conduct parameter, and a stronger demand rotation instrument. However, even with a moderate number of markets and five firms, regardless of instrument strength and the utilization of optimal instruments, rejecting the null hypothesis of perfect competition remains challenging. Our findings indicate that empirical results that fail to reject perfect competition are a consequence of the limited number of markets rather than methodological deficiencies.Comment: 8 pages, 3 appendi