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What Is in Your Output Gap? Unified Framework & Decomposition into Observables

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  • Michal Andrle

Abstract

This paper discusses several popular methods to estimate the ‘output gap’. It provides a unified, natural concept for the analysis, and demonstrates how to decompose the output gap into contributions of observed data on output, inflation, unemployment, and other variables. A simple bar-chart of contributing factors, in the case of multi-variable methods, sharpens the intuition behind the estimates and ultimately shows ‘what is in your output gap.’ The paper demonstrates how to interpret effects of data revisions and new data releases for output gap estimates (news effects) and how to obtain more insight into real-time properties of estimators.

Suggested Citation

  • Michal Andrle, 2013. "What Is in Your Output Gap? Unified Framework & Decomposition into Observables," IMF Working Papers 2013/105, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2013/105
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    8. Michael Fritsch & Alina Sorgner & Michael Wyrwich & Evguenii Zazdravnykh, 2016. "Historical Shocks and Persistence of Economic Activity: Evidence from a Unique Natural Experiment," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 1607, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Apr 2016.
    9. Gabor Katay & Lisa Kerdelhué & Matthieu Lequien, 2020. "Semi-Structural VAR and Unobserved Components Models to Estimate Finance-Neutral Output Gap," Working Papers 2020-11, Joint Research Centre, European Commission.
    10. Melolinna, Marko & Tóth, Máté, 2016. "Output gaps, inflation and financial cycles in the United Kingdom," Bank of England working papers 585, Bank of England.
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    12. Frantisek Brazdik & Zuzana Humplova & Frantisek Kopriva, 2014. "Evaluating a Structural Model Forecast: Decomposition Approach," Research and Policy Notes 2014/02, Czech National Bank.
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    19. Ms. Pritha Mitra & Amr Hosny & Gohar Abajyan & Mr. Mark Fischer, 2015. "Estimating Potential Growth in the Middle East and Central Asia," IMF Working Papers 2015/062, International Monetary Fund.

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