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Dimensions of Macroeconomic Uncertainty: A Common Factor Analysis

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  • Steffen Henzel
  • Malte Rengel

Abstract

Uncertainty about the future course of the economy is a possible driver of aggregate fluctuations. To identify the different dimensions of uncertainty in the macroeconomy we construct a large dataset covering all types of economic uncertainty. We then identify two fundamental factors which account for the common dynamics in this dataset. These factors are interpreted as macroeconomic uncertainty. The first factor mainly captures business cycle uncertainty while the second factor is identified as oil and commodity price uncertainty. While both types of uncertainty foreshadow a decline in output, surprise increases in oil and commodity price uncertainty appear to be more important for fluctuations in real activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Steffen Henzel & Malte Rengel, 2014. "Dimensions of Macroeconomic Uncertainty: A Common Factor Analysis," CESifo Working Paper Series 4991, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_4991
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    macroeconomic uncertainty; factor model; aggregate fluctuations;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles

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