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Block-recursive equilibria in heterogeneous-agent models

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  • Kaas, Leo

Abstract

Equilibrium models with heterogeneous agents and aggregate uncertainty are difficult to analyze since policy functions and market prices usually depend on the cross-sectional distribution over agents' state variables which is a high-dimensional object. This paper considers a general model framework in which this curse of dimensionality does not arise because equilibrium prices are determined by market entry conditions and are independent of the cross-sectional distribution (block-recursive equilibrium). The paper first establishes existence and ergodic theorems which are useful for the theoretical analysis and numerical implementation of block-recursive equilibria. Then these results are applied to models of firm dynamics with competitive or frictional input markets and to incomplete-market economies with endogenous asset market participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaas, Leo, 2023. "Block-recursive equilibria in heterogeneous-agent models," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jetheo:v:212:y:2023:i:c:s0022053123000856
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jet.2023.105689
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Block-recursive equilibrium; Dynamic general equilibrium; Heterogeneous agents;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C62 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Existence and Stability Conditions of Equilibrium
    • D50 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - General
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles

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