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Price Competition in an Inflationary Environment

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  • Dürsch, Peter
  • Eife, Thomas

Abstract

A constant price level facilitates cooperation among firms whereas steady inflation and deflation rates lower firms' ability to cooperate. In an experimental market with price competition we show that both inflation and deflation signi cantly reduce cooperation compared to treatments with a constant price level. The diffi culties to cooperate also aff ect prices and welfare: depending on the market structure, inflation and deflation lead to signifi cantly lower real prices and higher welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Dürsch, Peter & Eife, Thomas, 2014. "Price Competition in an Inflationary Environment," VfS Annual Conference 2014 (Hamburg): Evidence-based Economic Policy 100623, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc14:100623
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation

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