This paper identifies a novel form of dynamic inconsistency of stabilization policy in increasing returns models that generate multiple equilibria. We present a two-period model with externalities and derive closed-form solutions for all endogenous variables in every perfect foresight equilibrium. We provide conditions under which the stabilization policy that maximizes time zero consumer welfare is not time consistent. Furthermore, we characterize the time consistent stabilization policy. Our results cast doubts on the usefulness of government coordination of economic activity when the government lacks a commitment mechanism. Without commitment, a benevolent government can rule out multiplicity only by ensuring that a Pareto dominated equilibrium obtains. (Copyright: Elsevier)
Download Info
To download:
If you experience problems downloading a file, check if you have the
proper application to
view it first. Information about this may be contained
in the File-Format links below. In case of further problems read
the IDEAS help
page. Note that these files are not on the IDEAS
site. Please be patient as the files may be large.
As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to look for a different version under "Related research" (further below) or search for a different version of it.
Publisher Info
Article provided by Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics in its journal Review of Economic Dynamics.
Volume (Year): 8 (2005) Issue (Month): 1 (January) Pages: 154-177 Download reference. The following formats are available: HTML
(with abstract),
plain text
(with abstract),
BibTeX,
RIS (EndNote, RefMan, ProCite),
ReDIF
For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its listing, contact: (Christian Zimmermann).
Related research
Keywords:
References listed on IDEAS Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
Craig Burnside & Martin Eichenbaum & Sergio Rebelo, 1995.
"Capital Utilization and Returns to Scale,"
NBER Chapters,
in: NBER Macroeconomics Annual 1995, Volume 10, pages 67-124
National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
[Downloadable!]
Evans, Geroge W & Honkapohja, Seppo & Romer, Paul, 1998.
"Growth Cycles,"
American Economic Review,
American Economic Association, vol. 88(3), pages 495-515, June.
[Downloadable!] (restricted)
Other versions:
Paul Romer & George Evans & Seppo Hokapohja, .
"Growth Cycles,"
Home Pages
_001, Stanford University.
[Downloadable!]
George Evans & Seppo Honkapohja & Paul Romer, 1996.
"Growth Cycles,"
NBER Working Papers
5659, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
[Downloadable!] (restricted)
V.V. Chari & Patrick J. Kehoe & Edward C. Prescott, 1988.
"Time consistency and policy,"
Staff Report
115, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
[Downloadable!]
Cited by: (explanations, Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.)
Did you know? Citation analysis on IDEAS includes online papers that are freely accessible and whose text could be automatically analyzed, currently about 210000 papers.