Rational expectations and the dynamic structure of macroeconomic models: A critical review

This paper surveys critically the literature on rational expectations and the dynamic structure of macroeconomic models. The theoretical framework common to this literature is set forth for the reader unfamiliar with it. As this is done, problems are brought out which are usually ignored in existing literature. The topics discussed are: (1) rational expectations and the natural rate hypothesis. (2) optimal linear forecasts and their applications, (3) the general linear rational expectations model and its use in econometric policy evaluation, and (4) information and convergence problems in rational expectations models.