Obsolescence of Capital and Investment Spikes

B-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
Year: 2021
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
Pages: 135-71

Authors (2)

Arthur Fishman (not in RePEc) Boyan Jovanovic (New York University (NYU))

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

The prospect of capital obsolescence inhibits investment. Investors thus become more optimistic when the obsolescence of their capital slows down. We propose a model with no fixed costs of investment, and random technological progress that induces obsolescence of capital in place. Spikes occur precisely when technological progress slows down. Moreover, the more variable the progress, the larger are the spikes. Cross-industry data show that where price of capital declines are more variable, investment spikes are larger.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejmic:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:135-71
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25