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Markups and inflation: Evidence from firm-level data

Author

Listed:
  • Hassan Faryaar
  • Danny Leung
  • Alexandre Fortier-Labonté

Abstract

In the past two years, Canada has experienced inflation rates that have not been seen in the past two decades. The rise of markups, i.e., price over marginal cost, can be one of the potential drivers or amplifiers of inflation. This study uses firm-level data to estimate markups in Canada before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate that aggregate markups for non-financial businesses, excluding oil and gas industries, increased by 2.6% from the two years before the onset of COVID-19 to the second quarter of 2022. Compared with a range of inflation measures during the same period, the estimated increase in markups is relatively small. For example, during the same period, consumer price inflation, excluding energy, rose by 10.5%.

Suggested Citation

  • Hassan Faryaar & Danny Leung & Alexandre Fortier-Labonté, 2023. "Markups and inflation: Evidence from firm-level data," Economic and Social Reports 202300600004e, Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies and Modelling Branch.
    • Handle: RePEc:stc:stcp8e:202300600004e
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.25318/36280001202300600004-eng
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hassan Faryaar & Danny Leung, 2023. "Inflationary pressures, wages and profits," Economic and Social Reports 202300600005e, Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies and Modelling Branch.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics

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