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The public debt multiplier

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  • Albonico, Alice
  • Ascari, Guido
  • Gobbi, Alessandro

Abstract

We study the effects on economic activity of a pure temporary change in government debt and the relationship between the debt multiplier and the level of debt in an overlapping generations framework. The debt multiplier is positive but quite small during normal times while it is much larger during crises. Moreover, it increases with the steady state level of debt. Hence, the call for fiscal consolidation during recessions seems ill-advised. Finally, a rise in the steady state debt-to-GDP level increases the steady state real interest rate providing more room for manoeuvre to monetary policy to fight deflationary shocks.

Suggested Citation

  • Albonico, Alice & Ascari, Guido & Gobbi, Alessandro, 2021. "The public debt multiplier," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:dyncon:v:132:y:2021:i:c:s0165188921001391
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jedc.2021.104204
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    2. Kollmann, Robert & Lubik, Thomas & Roeger, Werner, 2021. "Secular Stagnation, Low Interest Rates and Low Inflation: Causes and Implications for Policy," MPRA Paper 108979, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fiscal policy; Public debt; Multiplier; Overlapping generations;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H63 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Debt; Debt Management; Sovereign Debt

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