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Macroeconomic Shocks in the Fog: The Role of Endogenous Uncertainty

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Abstract

Recessions are often accompanied by heightened uncertainty. We look at the effect of endogenous uncertainty on aggregate demand and its implications for monetary policy. We enrich a non-linear New-Keynesian model with imperfect noisy information, where the precision of signals is pro-cyclical. The endogenous uncertainty channel amplifies aggregate demand effects through precautionary saving. Ultimately, it can even reverse sign of the output-gap response to a supply shock. Monetary policy can eliminate both pricing and information-induced inefficiencies by closing the output gap. Based on U.S. household income forecast errors data, we estimate a sizable and significant degree of pro-cyclicality in the precision of signals.

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  • Anastasiia Antonova & Mykhailo Matvieiev & Céline Poilly, 2025. "Macroeconomic Shocks in the Fog: The Role of Endogenous Uncertainty," AMSE Working Papers 2538, Aix-Marseille School of Economics, France.
    • Handle: RePEc:aim:wpaimx:2538
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E40 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - General

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