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Explaining the Variability of Debt Neutrality Tests Results: A Meta-Analysis of Ricardian Equivalence

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  • Tomas Wroblowsky

    (Technical University Ostrava)

Abstract

Many empirical studies trying to verify (or reject) the Ricardian equivalence theorem have been published since 1974, when Barro re-launched the debate about the consequences of debt-financed tax cuts. The results of those studies are mixed, both favoring and rejecting the equivalence. With such mixed results in hand, no one can definitely say if Ricardian equivalence holds or not. Stanley (1998) provides a meta-analysis of 27 studies testing the Ricardian equivalence hypothesis. He finds strong evidence of the hypothesis' falsity. In this paper, I provide similar meta-analysis to that of Stanley, but I add the newest empirical studies to the sample and change the meta-independent variables structure. The results are very similar to those achieved by Stanley.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomas Wroblowsky, 2007. "Explaining the Variability of Debt Neutrality Tests Results: A Meta-Analysis of Ricardian Equivalence," South-Eastern Europe Journal of Economics, Association of Economic Universities of South and Eastern Europe and the Black Sea Region, vol. 5(1), pages 7-24.
    • Handle: RePEc:seb:journl:v:5:y:2007:i:1:p:7-24
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cosimo Magazzino, 2012. "Fiscal Policy, Consumption and Current Account in the European Countries," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 32(2), pages 1330-1344.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ricardian equivalence; debt neutrality; meta-analysis; effect size;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C10 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - General
    • H61 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Budget; Budget Systems

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