Non-Segmented Equilibria Under Differential Taxation: Evidence from the Canadian Government Bond Market

This paper investigates tax effects in the Canadian governmentbond market during the period 1964—1986. Unlike previousstudies, we apply both statistical and nonstatistical teststoanalyze clientele effects and market equilibria. The resultsdivide the sample into two distinct periods of time, with theend of 1976 marking the division. We find that tax effects arealmost nonexistent in the Canadian government bond market beforethe end of 1976, but are predominant in the post-1976 period.Non-segmented market equilibria cannot be rejected before 1977,but are strongly rejected after 1976. In fact, segmented equilibriawith clientele effects in both quantities and prices characterizethe entire five year period from 1982 to 1986. These findingsare consistent with tax reforms, government deficit financingand interest rate fluctuations in Canada during our sample period.