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Comparing accuracy of second-order approximation and dynamic programming

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Author Info
Stephanie Becker
Lars Grüne
Willi Semmler ()

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Abstract

The accuracy of the solution of dynamic general equilibrium models has become a major issue. Recent papers, in which second-order approximations have been substituted for first-order, indicate that this change may yield a significant improvement in accuracy. Second order approximations have been used with considerable success when solving for the decision variables in both small and large-scale models. Additionally, the issue of accuracy is relevant for the approximate solution of value functions. In numerous dynamic decision problems, welfare is usually computed via this same approximation procedure. However, Kim and Kim (Journal of International Economics, 60, 471–500, 2003) have found a reversal of welfare ordering when they moved from first- to second-order approximations. Other researchers, studying the impact of monetary and fiscal policy on welfare, have faced similar challenges with respect to the accuracy of approximations of the value function. Employing a base-line stochastic growth model, this paper compares the accuracy of second-order approximations and dynamic programming solutions for both the decision variable and the value function as well. We find that, in a neighborhood of the equilibrium, the second-order approximation method performs satisfactorily; however, on larger regions, dynamic programming performs significantly better with respect to both the decision variable and the value function. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007

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File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1007/s10614-007-9087-1
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Publisher Info
Article provided by Springer in its journal Computational Economics.

Volume (Year): 30 (2007)
Issue (Month): 1 (August)
Pages: 65-91
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Handle: RePEc:kap:compec:v:30:y:2007:i:1:p:65-91

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Related research
Keywords: Dynamic general equilibrium model; Approximation methods; Second-order approximation; Dynamic programming;

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  2. Collard, Fabrice & Juillard, Michel, 2001. "Accuracy of stochastic perturbation methods: The case of asset pricing models," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 25(6-7), pages 979-999, June. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  3. Pierpaolo Benigno & Michael Woodford, 2006. "Linear-quadratic approximation of optimal policy problems," Discussion Papers 0607-02, Columbia University, Department of Economics. [Downloadable!]
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  4. Christiano, Lawrence J. & Fisher, Jonas D. M., 2000. "Algorithms for solving dynamic models with occasionally binding constraints," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 24(8), pages 1179-1232, July. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  5. Grune, Lars & Semmler, Willi, 2004. "Using dynamic programming with adaptive grid scheme for optimal control problems in economics," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 28(12), pages 2427-2456, December. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  6. Kim, Jinill & Kim, Sunghyun Henry, 2003. "Spurious welfare reversals in international business cycle models," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 60(2), pages 471-500, August. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  7. Manuel S. Santos & Jesus Vigo-Aguiar, 1998. "Analysis of a Numerical Dynamic Programming Algorithm Applied to Economic Models," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 66(2), pages 409-426, March.
  8. Schmitt-Grohe, Stephanie & Uribe, Martin, 2004. "Optimal fiscal and monetary policy under sticky prices," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 114(2), pages 198-230, February. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  9. Kydland, Finn E & Prescott, Edward C, 1982. "Time to Build and Aggregate Fluctuations," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 50(6), pages 1345-70, November. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  10. Den Haan, Wouter J & Marcet, Albert, 1994. "Accuracy in Simulations," Review of Economic Studies, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 61(1), pages 3-17, January. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  11. Schmitt-Grohe, Stephanie & Uribe, Martin, 2004. "Solving dynamic general equilibrium models using a second-order approximation to the policy function," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 755-775, January. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  12. S. Boragan Aruoba & Jesus Fernandez-Villaverde & Juan F. Rubio-Ramirez, 2003. "Comparing Solution Methods for Dynamic Equilibrium Economies," PIER Working Paper Archive 04-003, Penn Institute for Economic Research, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania. [Downloadable!]
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  13. Hans M. Amman & David A. Kendrick, . "Computational Economics," Online economics textbooks, SUNY-Oswego, Department of Economics, number comp1, March. [Downloadable!]
  14. Benigno, Pierpaolo & Woodford, Michael, 2006. "Optimal taxation in an RBC model: A linear-quadratic approach," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 30(9-10), pages 1445-1489. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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