Rational Expectations and the Defris-Williams Inflationary Expectations Series*

This paper evaluates the Defris-Williams inflationary expectations series as a measure of rational expectations for the period 1973(1) to 1980(2). The results show that the series violates the rationality criterion, being an inefficient and biased predictor of inflation. By constructing an ‘information-augmented’ D-W series, the quantitative importance of omitted information available to consumers at the time of making their forecasts is isolated. The key omitted economic variables are found to be lagged monetary growth and unemployment or an indexation dummy which explains 70 percent of the forecast error of the D-W series. These results suggest that a theoretically constructed expectations series may prove to be a superior measure of market expectations of inflation in Australia.     

Inflationary Expectations, Variable Output, and Exchange-Rate Dynamics

This paper develops a model of exchange-rate dynamics characterized by inflationary expectations held with perfect foresight, sticky wages, and sluggish output adjustment. In this framework monetary expansion initially lowers interest rates because of sluggish output and price adjustment but quite surprisingly produces exchange-rate overshooting or undershooting. Moreover, after its initial depreciation in the overshooting case, the domestic currency temporarily appreciates beyond its new long-run equilibrium level. In the undershooting case, the home currency temporarily appreciates away from its new long-run equilibrium level. Finally, the dynamic real exchange rate-real interest rate relationship at times becomes inverse.     

Regime Switches, Biased Expectations, and the Brazilian Inflationary Experience

The paper analyzes how an error in inflation expectations helped maintain high interest rates in the wake of the major stabilization plans launched in Brazil over the past 18 years. Newly implemented low-inflation measures lacked credibility and forced agents to expect a higher inflation rate than the one effectively observed, creating a wedge between ex-post and ex-ante real interest rates. The results also indicate that past failures have helped undermined the credibility of new measures.     

理性预期和适应性预期股价模型的比较研究

本文首先介绍了理性预期股价模型和适应性预期股价模型 ,并对两种模型的定价方法和实证分析结果进行了比较 ,得出了较理性预期模型而言 ,适应性预期模型对于成熟股票市场有更强的解释能力 ,结论对我国股市有一定借鉴意义。     

Alternative Measures of Australian Consumer Inflationary Expectations: Their Relation to Attitudes and Prices

This article was written by Dr L. V. Defris, Lecturer in Economics at Deakin University. It was originally part of a broader joint study of consumer inflationary expectations, with R. A. Williams. The author is greatly indebted to Professor Williams for discussion and development of the analysis.     

Qualitatively Rational Expectations and Adjustment in the Specific-Factors Model

This paper considers adjustment in a dynamic specific-factors model with endogenous capital stocks. Investment is analyzed under the assumption that expectations are rational with respect to qualitative aspects of the adjustment process (qualitatively rational expectations, QRE). QRE leave considerable scope for systematic errors in expectations formation. Adjustment under rational expectations is similar to QRE adjustment; however, only in the former case is the speed of adjustment optimal. Overshooting of capital stocks is possible and may be optimal. Comparative-static analysis shows an asymmetry between inflows of labor and capital: only capital inflows may cause a Rybczynski effect.     

A Simple and Intuitive Method to Solve Small Rational Expectations Models

We present a nonlinear solution method of saddlepoint dynamics in discrete time optimization problems. It is based on the backward attractivity of the stable manifold and is very easy to implement. After an introduction to the general method we present two applications. First, we consider the deterministic neoclassical growth model and demonstrate accuracy and stability of the method. Second, we solve a basic real business cycle model.revised version received July 2, 2003     

Rational Expectations and Price Determination in the US Oats Market

This paper develops a simultaneous rational expectations model of the US oats market Consistent estimates of the structural parameters are obtained by the instrumental variables method and 15 of 16 parameter estimates are significant at the 5 per cent level Estimated elasticities suggest that hedged stocks are more responsive to price changes than unhedged stocks, and that consumption demand for oats is more responsive to income changes than to changes in price. Post-sample forecasts of the spot price derived from this model are employed to test the semi-strong form efficient markets hypothesis (EMH), although the futures price outperforms the model as a predictor of the spot price. Hence the EMH cannot be rejected     

Life-Cycle Consumption under Rational Expectations: Some Australian Evidence*

Using Australian data, this note tests the srochastic implications of Hall's (1978) national-expectations life-cycle consumption model. The strong version of the hypothesis can only be rejected using lagged values of the change in the unemployment rate and a particular measure of disposable income.     

Determinacy and Stability under Learning of Rational Expectations Equilibria

This paper studies relationships between the local determinacy of a stationary equilibrium in the perfect foresight dynamics, and its local stability in dynamics arising from econometric learning procedures. Attention is focused on linear scalar economies where agents forecast only one period ahead, and with an arbitrary, but fixed, number of predetermined variables. In such a framework, it is well known that there are no clear links between the determinacy of the stationary state in the perfect foresight dynamics on the levels of the state variable, and its stability under learning. The paper emphasizes, however, that this is not the right perfect foresight dynamics to look at whenever agents try to learn the coefficients of the perfect foresight dynamics restricted to an eigenspace of lower dimension. Indeed the paper introduces a growth rate perfect foresight dynamics on these coefficients and proves equivalence between determinacy in that dynamics and stability under learning provided that a simple sign condition is satisfied. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: E32, D83.     

Evolutionary Economics,Rational Expectations,and Monetary Policy

Wealth disparity is a critical factor in the perpetuation of blackwhite disparity in the United States. Intergenerational wealth transfers are the major determinant of household wealth formation. A program of reparations would acknowledge past and continued injustice, redress such injustices, and provide closure. Radical institutional analysis benefits this policy discussion in at least three areas: explaining the re-creation of discrimination; indicating the role of wealth disparity; and identifying the funding source for reparations. For centuries the economic surplus has enhanced white wealth relative to black wealth. A program of reparations suggests directing the surplus toward funding black-white equality.     

A Geometric Analysis of Exchange Rate Adjustment Under Static and Rational Expectations*

This note presents a simple geometric apparatus for analyzing macroeconomic questions relating to small open economies. The particular problem analyzed here for illustrative purposes is the adjustment of a floating exchange rate regime, under both static and rational expectations, to a step increase in the money supply. We consider both an unanticipated immediate increase and an unanticipated announcement of a forthcoming increase. We derive the general criterion which determines whether the exchange rate initially overshoots or undershoots the change required for long-run equilibrium.     

Mass Action Is Not Individually Rational: Reply

The present study examines the relationship between openness (tradeGDP ratio) and growth. Our cross-country panel data analysis of a sample 51 less developed countries shows that for only 11 rich and highly trade-dependent countries a higher real growth is associated with a higher trade share. Time series study of individual country experiences shows that the majority of the countries covered in the sample including the East Asian countries experienced no positive long-term relationship between openness and growth during the 1961-2002 time period. Our study of the experience of various regions and groups shows that only the Middle Income group exhibited a positive long-term relationship.     

基于理性预期的第二人口红利与储蓄率

人力资本结构与产业结构相匹配的重要性已得到许多学者的肯定,但如何解读和实现这种匹配尚有许多基础性理论问题需要探讨,其中之一是人力资本投资与积累的人口结构变动因素问题.现有的人口红利研究基本都是针对第一人口红利的,第二人口红利虽然在人口老龄化浪潮下越来越受到重视,但系统而深入的研究明显不足.基于此,本文在界定第二人口红利的内涵和构建生命周期储蓄模型的基础上,将理性预期下经济行为调整的5个参数纳入数理模型,分析第二人口红利与储蓄率的关系,探讨人口老龄化浪潮下如何进一步加大人力资本投资,获取人口红利,促进经济发展.并基于理性预期对人力资本积累提高如何与产业升级需求相匹配问题进行了初步讨论.