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Fiscal Policy, Sovereign Risk, and Unemployment

Author

Listed:
  • Pablo Ottonello

    (University of Michigan)

  • Ignacio Presno

    (Federal Reserve Board)

  • Javier Bianchi

    (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis)

Abstract

How should fiscal policy be conducted in the presence of default risk? We address this question using a sovereign default model with downward wage rigidity. An increase in government spending during a recession stimulates economic activity and reduces unemployment. Because the government lacks commitment to future debt repayments, expansionary fiscal policy increases sovereign spreads making the fiscal stimulus less desirable. We analyze the optimal fiscal policy and study quantitatively whether austerity or stimulus is optimal during an economic slump.

Suggested Citation

  • Pablo Ottonello & Ignacio Presno & Javier Bianchi, 2017. "Fiscal Policy, Sovereign Risk, and Unemployment," 2017 Meeting Papers 1382, Society for Economic Dynamics.
    • Handle: RePEc:red:sed017:1382
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Jeon, Kiyoung & Kabukcuoglu, Zeynep, 2018. "Income inequality and sovereign default," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 211-232.
    2. Javier Andres & Oscar Arce & Dominik Thaler & Carlos Thomas, 2020. "When Fiscal Consolidation Meets Private Deleveraging," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 37, pages 214-233, July.
    3. Michal Szkup, 2022. "Preventing Self-Fulfilling Debt Crises: A Global Games Approach," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 43, pages 22-55, January.
    4. Cristina Arellano & Gabriel Mihalache & Yan Bai, 2018. "Inflation Targeting with Sovereign Default Risk," 2018 Meeting Papers 851, Society for Economic Dynamics.
    5. Wolf, Martin, 2020. "Pecuniary externalities in economies with downward wage rigidity," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 219-235.
    6. Wolf, Martin, 2020. "Pecuniary externalities in economies with downward wage rigidity," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 219-235.

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