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How Persistent Are Shocks to World Commodity Prices?

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Listed:
  • Ms. Hong Liang
  • Mr. C. John McDermott
  • Mr. Paul Cashin

Abstract

This paper examines the persistence of shocks to world commodity prices, using monthly IMF data on primary commodities between 1957–98. We find that shocks to commodity prices are typically long–lasting and the variability of the persistence of price shocks is quite wide. The paper also discusses the implications of these findings for national and international schemes to stabilize earnings from commodity exports and finds that if price shocks are long–lived, then the cost of stabilization schemes will likely exceed any associated smoothing benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Ms. Hong Liang & Mr. C. John McDermott & Mr. Paul Cashin, 1999. "How Persistent Are Shocks to World Commodity Prices?," IMF Working Papers 1999/080, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:1999/080
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    WP; commodity price; price shock; price series; nonfuel commodities index; Commodity prices; median-unbiased estimation; shock persistence; price stabilization; stabilization scheme; nonfuel commodity; export earnings; Agricultural commodities; Commodity price shocks; International commodity agreements; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • Q11 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Aggregate Supply and Demand Analysis; Prices
    • Q17 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agriculture in International Trade

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