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Financial Expectations and Household Consumption: Does Middle Inflation Matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Brown

    (Department of Economics, University of Sheffield, UK and IZN Bonn)

  • Mark N. Harris

    (Curtin Business School, Curtin University, Perth, Australia)

  • Christopher Spencer

    (School of Business and Economics, Loughborough Universit, UK)

  • Karl Taylor

    (Department of Economics, University of Sheffield, UK and IZN Bonn)

Abstract

Using British panel data, we explore the finding that households often expect their financial position to remain unchanged compared to other alternatives, using a gener- alised middle inflated ordered probit (GMIOP ) model. In doing so we account for the tendency of individuals to choose 'neutral' responses when faced with attitudinal and opinion-based questions, which are a common feature of survey data. Our empirical analysis strongly supports the use of a GMIOP model to account for this response pattern. Expectations indices based on competing discrete choice models are then ex- ploited to explore the role that financial expectations play in driving the consumption of different types of durable goods and the amount of expenditure undertaken. Whilst financial optimism is significantly associated with consumption, indices which fail to take into account middle-inflation are found to overestimate the impact of financial expectations.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Brown & Mark N. Harris & Christopher Spencer & Karl Taylor, 2020. "Financial Expectations and Household Consumption: Does Middle Inflation Matter?," Working Papers 2020002, The University of Sheffield, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:shf:wpaper:2020002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Survey data; financial expectations; generalised middle-inflated ordered probit model; household consumption;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions

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