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The Behavior of the Real Rate of Interest

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  • Dotsey, Michael
  • Lantz, Carl
  • Scholl, Brian

Abstract

This paper presents new facts regarding the behavior of the ex-ante real rate of interest. These facts are notably different from conventional wisdom about the cyclical properties of the real rate. In particular, we find that the ex-ante real rate is contemporaneously positively correlated with GDP and positively correlated with lagged cyclical output. There is also evidence that high real rates are associated with strong cyclical output one quarter into the future. Our results generally are not sensitive to the estimation methodology, but are quite sensitive to the price series used. This sensitivity is especially true for the Consumer Price Index. Thus, we find evidence of specification uncertainty. We also find that real rate behavior varies over different sample periods and that the cyclical properties of the ex-ante and ex-post real rates are not identical. Therefore, inferring ex-ante real rate behavior using ex-post data is inappropriate.

Suggested Citation

  • Dotsey, Michael & Lantz, Carl & Scholl, Brian, 2003. "The Behavior of the Real Rate of Interest," Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 35(1), pages 91-110, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:mcb:jmoncb:v:35:y:2003:i:1:p:91-110
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Christopher J. Neely & David E. Rapach, 2008. "Real interest rate persistence: evidence and implications," Review, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, vol. 90(Nov), pages 609-642.
    2. Mésonnier, J-S. & Renne, J-P., 2004. "A Time-Varying Natural Rate for the Euro Area," Working papers 115, Banque de France.
    3. Echeverria Garaigorta, Paulina Elisa & Iza Padilla, María Amaya, 2011. "Business cycles in a small open economy: The case of Hong Kong," DFAEII Working Papers 1988-088X, University of the Basque Country - Department of Foundations of Economic Analysis II.
    4. Christophe Chamley, 2006. "Complementarities in information acquisition with short-term trades," Boston University - Department of Economics - Working Papers Series WP2006-042, Boston University - Department of Economics.
    5. Bernardo Guimaraes, 2007. "Optimal external debt and default," 2007 Meeting Papers 104, Society for Economic Dynamics.
    6. Nakaota, Hiroshi, 2005. "The term structure of interest rates in Japan: the predictability of economic activity," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 17(3), pages 311-326, August.
    7. Perron, Pierre & Wada, Tatsuma, 2009. "Let's take a break: Trends and cycles in US real GDP," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 56(6), pages 749-765, September.
    8. Adrien Verdelhan, 2010. "A Habit‐Based Explanation of the Exchange Rate Risk Premium," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 65(1), pages 123-146, February.
    9. Elmar Mertens, 2005. "Puzzling Comovements between Output and Interest Rates? Multiple Shocks are the Answer," Working Papers 05.05, Swiss National Bank, Study Center Gerzensee.
    10. Mesonnier, Jean-Stephane & Renne, Jean-Paul, 2007. "A time-varying "natural" rate of interest for the euro area," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 51(7), pages 1768-1784, October.
    11. Arnwine, Neil & Yigit, Taner M., 2008. "What Fisher knew about his relation, we sometimes forget," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 101(3), pages 193-195, December.
    12. Lyonnet, Victor & Werner, Richard, 2012. "Lessons from the Bank of England on ‘quantitative easing’ and other ‘unconventional’ monetary policies," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 25(C), pages 94-105.
    13. Enchuan Shao & Pedro Silos, 2014. "Accounting For The Cyclical Dynamics Of Income Shares," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 52(2), pages 778-795, April.
    14. Lee, Kang-Soek & Werner, Richard A., 2018. "Reconsidering Monetary Policy: An Empirical Examination of the Relationship Between Interest Rates and Nominal GDP Growth in the U.S., U.K., Germany and Japan," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 26-34.
    15. Wu, Ying, 2024. "Risk-averse corporate investment behavior and the effectiveness of quantitative easing," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 1270-1286.
    16. Bernardo Guimaraes, 2011. "Sovereign default: which shocks matter?," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 14(4), pages 553-576, October.
    17. Mertens, Elmar, 2010. "Structural shocks and the comovements between output and interest rates," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 34(6), pages 1171-1186, June.

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