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Multi-Plant Firms, Variable Capacity Utilization, and the Aggregate Hours Elasticity

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Abstract

We develop a business cycle model with perfectly competitive product and labor markets in which production requires a minimum labor input, generating endogenous capacity utilization. The aggregate production function is kinked, featuring constant returns to scale below capacity—typically in recessions—and decreasing returns at capacity in expansions. Motivated by new empirical evidence that narratively identified labor tax shocks have significantly larger effects on hours and output when capacity utilization is below trend, we calibrate the model to U.S. data and show that the aggregate hours elasticity is higher in recessions, differing markedly from the micro elasticity implied by preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Domenico Ferraro & Giuseppe Fiori & Damián Pierri, 2026. "Multi-Plant Firms, Variable Capacity Utilization, and the Aggregate Hours Elasticity," International Finance Discussion Papers 1440, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedgif:103520
    DOI: 10.17016/IFDP.2026.1440
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mirman, Leonard J. & Morand, Olivier F. & Reffett, Kevin L., 2008. "A qualitative approach to Markovian equilibrium in infinite horizon economies with capital," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 139(1), pages 75-98, March.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • E23 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Production
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H24 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Personal Income and Other Nonbusiness Taxes and Subsidies
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies

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