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Uncertainty Shocks and Unemployment Dynamics in U.S. Recessions

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanni Caggiano

    (University of Padova)

  • Efrem Castelnuovo

    (University of Melbourne, University of Padova, Bank of Finland)

  • Nicolas Groshenny

    (University of Adelaide)

Abstract

What are the effects of uncertainty shocks on unemployment dynamics? We answer this question by estimating non-linear (Smooth-Transition) VARs with post-WWII U.S. data. The relevance of uncertainty shocks is found to be much larger than that predicted by standard linear VARs in terms of i) magnitude of the reaction of the unemployment rate to such shocks, and ii) contribution to the variance of the prediction errors of unemployment at business cycle frequencies. The ability of different classes of DSGE models to replicate our results is discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Caggiano & Efrem Castelnuovo & Nicolas Groshenny, 2015. "Uncertainty Shocks and Unemployment Dynamics in U.S. Recessions," Department of Economics - Working Papers Series 1195, The University of Melbourne.
    • Handle: RePEc:mlb:wpaper:1195
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Uncertainty shocks; Unemployment Dynamics; Smooth Transition Vector-AutoRegressions; Recessions.;
    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
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy

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