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Elasticity of Intertemporal Substitution in the Euro Area

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  • Michal Marencak
  • Giang Nghiem

Abstract

This paper estimates the elasticity of intertemporal substitution for the euro area. It leverages the unique design of the Consumer Expectations Survey in Europe to directly infer it from the Euler equation. Our final estimates range between 0.7 and 0.8 for the euro area as a whole, which are higher than those for the US. We also observe economically sizeable heterogeneity across the member states, and over time. Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands have lower elasticity compared to France, Spain, and Italy. The implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Michal Marencak & Giang Nghiem, 2024. "Elasticity of Intertemporal Substitution in the Euro Area," CAMA Working Papers 2024-56, Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University.
    • Handle: RePEc:een:camaaa:2024-56
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    File URL: https://crawford-prod.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/2025-01/56_2024_marencak_nghiem.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    inflation; expectations; consumption; intertemporal elasticity of substitution; Euler equation; Consumer Expectations Survey;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D15 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Intertemporal Household Choice; Life Cycle Models and Saving
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth

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