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Fiscal Policy and the Current Account in a Small Open Economy

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  • Juha Tervala

    (University of Helsinki, Department of Economics, Finland)

Abstract

This paper analyses the macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy in a small open economy in a flexible exchange rate regime. The key result is that the effects of fiscal policy depend on the size of the elasticity of substitution between traded and nontraded goods. In particular, the sign of the current account response to fiscal policy depends on the interplay between the intertemporal elasticity of aggregate consumption and the elasticity of substitution between traded and nontraded goods. The paper also shows that only permanent fiscal expansions generate current account imbalances while temporary fiscal expansions do not affect the current account.

Suggested Citation

  • Juha Tervala, 2007. "Fiscal Policy and the Current Account in a Small Open Economy," Finnish Economic Papers, Finnish Economic Association, vol. 20(2), pages 108-120, Autumn.
    • Handle: RePEc:fep:journl:v:20:y:2007:i:2:p:108-120
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Shugo Yamamoto, 2013. "Structural Change in the External Balances Response to Macroeconomic Policies: Perspective from a Two-Sector New Open Economy Macroeconomic Model," Review of International Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(5), pages 1021-1031, November.
    2. Darius, Reginald, 2010. "The macroeconomic effects of monetary and fiscal policy in a small open economy: Does the exchange rate regime matter?," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 29(8), pages 1508-1528, December.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • F32 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Current Account Adjustment; Short-term Capital Movements
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics

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