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Dynamic Efficiency, the Riskless Rate, and Debt Ponzi Games under Uncertainty

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Listed:
  • Olivier J. Blanchard

    (MIT Department of Economics - MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Philippe Weil

    (OFCE - Observatoire français des conjonctures économiques (Sciences Po) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po)

Abstract

In a dynamically efficient economy, can a government roll its debt forever and avoid the need to raise taxes? In a series of examples of economies with zero growth, this paper shows that such Ponzi games may be infeasible even when the average rate of return on bonds is negative, and may be feasible even when the average rate of return on bonds is positive. The paper then reveals the structure which underlies these examples.

Suggested Citation

  • Olivier J. Blanchard & Philippe Weil, 2001. "Dynamic Efficiency, the Riskless Rate, and Debt Ponzi Games under Uncertainty," Post-Print hal-01030812, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01030812
    DOI: 10.2202/1534-6013.1031
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://sciencespo.hal.science/hal-01030812
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