Fiscal consolidation in a currency union: Spending cuts vs. tax hikes

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control
Year: 2013
Volume: 37
Issue: 2
Pages: 422-445

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

This paper uses a two country DSGE model to examine the effects of tax-based vs. expenditure-based fiscal consolidation in a currency union. We find three key results. First, given limited scope for monetary accommodation, tax-based consolidation tends to have smaller adverse effects on output than expenditure-based consolidation in the near-term, though is more costly in the longer-run. Second, a large expenditure-based consolidation may be counterproductive in the near-term if the zero lower bound is binding, reflecting that output losses rise at the margin. Third, a “mixed strategy” that combines a sharp but temporary rise in taxes with gradual spending cuts may be desirable in minimizing the output costs of fiscal consolidation.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:dyncon:v:37:y:2013:i:2:p:422-445
Journal Field
Macro
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25