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How Important are Automatic Stabilisers in Europe? A Stochastic Simulation Assessment

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  • Ray Barrell

Abstract

In this paper we formalize budgetary stabilisers as a set of simple policy rules, and assess their operation in an uncertain environment by performing stochastic simulations in a forward-looking multi-country macroeconometric model, NiGEM, comprising individual blocks for 10 Euroland economies. Automatic stabilisers make output volatility decrease by 11 per cent for Euroland as a whole Ð less than in previous studies, as these have overemphasised demand shocks. We also find that, provided countries comply with their announced fiscal consolidation programmes, built-in stabilisers and the Stability and Growth Pact are broadly compatible.

Suggested Citation

  • Ray Barrell, 2002. "How Important are Automatic Stabilisers in Europe? A Stochastic Simulation Assessment," National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) Discussion Papers 196, National Institute of Economic and Social Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:nsr:niesrd:196
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    1. Ray Barrell & Ian Hurst & Álvaro Pina, 2002. "Fiscal Targets, Automatic Stabilisers and their Effects on Output," Working Papers Department of Economics 2002/05, ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management, Department of Economics, Universidade de Lisboa.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E37 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • E63 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Comparative or Joint Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary Policy; Stabilization; Treasury Policy
    • H61 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Budget; Budget Systems

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