Equilibrium indeterminacy and sunspot tales

B-Tier
Journal: European Economic Review
Year: 2021
Volume: 140
Issue: C

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We argue that dynamic indeterminacy in structural models can help rationalize statistical regularities regarding higher-order properties of macroeconomic time series. Without departing from the Gaussian rational expectations paradigm, we formally establish that any indeterminate equilibrium model admits a linear recursion with multiplicative noise representation. This allows self-fulfilling expectations (sunspots) to enhance endogenous propagation forces that trigger high-probability extreme changes in model variables, while also inducing time variation in conditional volatilities. As a result, even modest, short-lived exogenous shocks can produce large and persistent macroeconomic effects. Using a workhorse New Keynesian framework, we investigate the ability of such a general mechanism to account for observed fat-tailed behavior and volatility clusters in the inflation series over the Great Inflation period of US macroeconomic history.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:eecrev:v:140:y:2021:i:c:s0014292121002348
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25