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Measuring the Euro Area Output Gap

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  • Matteo Barigozzi
  • Claudio Lissona
  • Matteo Luciani

Abstract

We measure the Euro Area (EA) output gap and potential output using a non-stationary dynamic factor model estimated on a large dataset of macroeconomic and financial variables. From 2012 to 2024, we estimate that the EA economy was tighter than policy institutions estimate, suggesting that the slow EA growth results from a potential output issue, not a business cycle issue. Moreover, we find that a decline in trend inflation, not slack in the economy, kept core inflation below 2% before the pandemic and that demand forces account for at least 30% of the post-pandemic increase in core inflation.

Suggested Citation

  • Matteo Barigozzi & Claudio Lissona & Matteo Luciani, 2025. "Measuring the Euro Area Output Gap," Papers 2505.05536, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2505.05536
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    Cited by:

    1. Alessandro Morico & Ovidijus Stauskas, 2025. "Robust Tests for Factor-Augmented Regressions with an Application to the novel EA-MD Dataset," Papers 2504.08455, arXiv.org.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C55 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Large Data Sets: Modeling and Analysis
    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis
    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E37 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications

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