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Labor Market Reforms in Open Economies: Current Account Dynamics and Consumer Heterogeneity

Author

Listed:
  • Hochmuth, Brigitte
  • Moyen, Stéphane
  • Schröter, Felix
  • Stähler, Nikolai

Abstract

This paper links labor market reforms to an increase in the reforming country’s net foreign asset position via a precautionary savings channel. We assess how a major cut in unemployment benefits affected Germany’s current account. Using a heterogeneous agent model of a small open economy with labor market frictions, we show that accounting for precautionary savings is both qualitatively and quantitatively important. In the first five years, the reform contributed 12 percent to the dynamics of the German current account. Welfare gains and losses are distributed unequally among agents. Compared to a closed economy, the reform is more detrimental.

Suggested Citation

  • Hochmuth, Brigitte & Moyen, Stéphane & Schröter, Felix & Stähler, Nikolai, 2025. "Labor Market Reforms in Open Economies: Current Account Dynamics and Consumer Heterogeneity," CEPR Discussion Papers 20092, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:20092
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    File URL: https://cepr.org/publications/DP20092
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics

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