This paper extends the recent empirical literature on the relationship between local decentralization and growth using data from both metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions in the U.S. The analysis utilizes both metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions, and thus avoids the possible selection bias present in previous research. The results for non-metropolitan regions indicate a relatively we...

The random walk is often used to model exchange rates. According to the Lucas critique, however, policy shifts may lead to breaks in the trend of exchange rates and hence to long swings. We use a Markov regime-switching model to allow for such swings and we reject the random walk in favor of the regime-switching model. Earlier papers report this result too, but the authors are concerned about t...

We propose a Markov model with an ergodic two-component switching mechanism that dynamically generates anomalous diffusion. The first component plays the role of a hidden parameter. The second one is the switching component generating the superdiffusion of a random walker and is itself non-Markovian. The model is studied numerically using the Monte Carlo technique. PACS numbers: 05.40.Fb, 02.50...

plentifulness of oil resources on the one hand, and serious economic challenges in the course of development of the country, on the other hand, makes the optimum use of these resources a considerable issue in achieving the goals of sustainable development. iran’s experience in establishing exchange reserve account (era) during 2000-2005 indicates that its main function is saving the surplus rev...

We study optimal time-consistent monetary and fiscal policy in a New Keynesian model where occasional declines agents’ confidence give rise to persistent liquidity trap episodes. Insights from widely studied fundamental-driven traps are not useful guide for enhancing welfare this model. Raising the inflation target, appointing an inflation-conservative central banker, or allowing use of governm...

This paper analyzes an overlapping generation model of public good provision under repeated voting. The public good is financed through age-dependent taxation that distorts human capital investment. Taxes redistribute income both across different skill groups and across generations. We contrast the political equilibria with the Ramsey allocation, and analyze the sources of inefficiency. The pol...

In this study a regime switching approach is applied to estimate the chartist and fundamentalist (c&f) exchange rate model originally proposed by Frankel and Froot (1986). The empirical results suggest that this model does successfully explain daily DM/Dollar forward exchange rate dynamics from 1982 to 1998. Moreover, our findings turned out to be relative robust by estimating the model in subs...

This paper quantitatively investigates the optimal capital income taxation in the general equilibrium overlapping generations model, which incorporates characteristics of housing and the U.S. preferential tax treatment for owner-occupied housing. Housing tax policy is found to have a substantial effect on how capital income should be taxed. Given the U.S. preferential tax treatment for owner-oc...

This paper goes beyond traditional political budget cycles studies by considering the impact of the election calendar on the composition of tax revenue (direct taxes versus indirect taxes) rather than on the global level. We develop a theoretical model, based on Drazen and Eslava (2009) to predict how the taxation structure will be modified during election years. Using a panel of 58 developing ...