Are there asymmetries in fiscal policy shocks?

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Periklis Gogas ◽  
Ioannis Pragidis
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Government Spending ◽  
Government Revenue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Keynesian Theory ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Cyclical Component ◽  
Policy Shocks ◽  
Spending Shocks

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the effects of unanticipated fiscal policy shocks on the growth rate and the cyclical component of real private output and reveal different types of asymmetries in fiscal policy implementation. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use two alternative vector autoregressive systems in order to construct the fiscal policy shocks: one with the simple sum monetary aggregate MZM and one with the alternative CFS Divisia MZM aggregate. From each one of these systems we extracted four types of shocks: a negative and a positive government spending shock and a negative and a positive government revenue shock. These eight different types of unanticipated fiscal shocks were used next to empirically examine their effects on the growth rate and cyclical component of real private GNP in two sets of regressions: one that assumes only contemporaneous effects of the shocks on output and one that is augmented with four lags of each fiscal shock. Findings – The authors come up with three key findings: first, all fiscal multipliers are below unity but with signs as predicted by Keynesian theory. Second, government expenditures have a larger impact as compared to the tax policy and finally, positive government spending shocks are more significant than negative spending shocks. All these results are in line with previous studies and are robust through many tests using structural identification proposed by Blanchard and Perotti (2002). Practical implications – The empirical findings in this manuscript can be used for conducting a more efficient fiscal policy. The importance of government spending shocks is empirically verified along with the asymmetries related to price stickiness predicted by Keynesian theory. According to the results an efficient fiscal policy would: in terms of an expansionary policy, use government spending as a means to stimulate the economy instead of tax cuts and in the case of a contractionary policy use government revenue (higher taxes) so that the costs of this policy in terms of output lost are lower. Originality/value – In this study the authors introduce three main innovations: first, to the best of our knowledge the Divisia monetary aggregates have not yet been used to previous research pertaining to fiscal policy. Second, following Cover’s (1992) procedure of identifying monetary policy shocks we extract the unanticipated fiscal policy shocks on government spending and revenue. Finally, the authors explicitly test for the asymmetric effects on the growth rate and the cyclical component of real private GNP of a contractionary and expansionary fiscal policy.

Government spending multipliers over business cycle

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naser Yenus Nuru
Keyword(s):  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Government Spending ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Economic Cycle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vector Autoregressive ◽  
State Dependent ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Spending Shocks

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show the asymmetric effects of government spending shocks for South Africa over the period 1960Q1–2014Q2. Design/methodology/approach A threshold vector autoregressive model that allows parameters to switch according to whether a threshold variable crosses an estimated threshold is employed to address the objective of this paper. The threshold value is determined endogenously using Hansen (1996) test. Generalized impulse responses introduced by Koop et al. (1996) are used to study the effects of government spending shocks on growth depending on their size, sign and timing with respect to the economic cycle. The author also uses a Cholesky decomposition identification scheme in order to identify discretionary government spending shocks in the non-linear model. Findings The empirical findings support the state-dependent effects of fiscal policy. In particular, the effects of 1 or 2 standard deviations expansionary or contractionary government spending shock on output are very small both on impact and in the long run; and a bit larger in downturns but has only a very limited effect or no effect in times of expansion. This result gives support to the evidence in the recent literature that fiscal policy in developing countries is overwhelmingly procyclical. Originality/value It adds to the scarce empirical fiscal literature of the South African economy in particular and developing economies in general by allowing non-linearities to estimate the effect of government spending shocks over economic cycle.

Government spending shocks and economic growth: additional evidence from cyclical behavior of fiscal policy

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olumide Olusegun Olaoye ◽  
Ukafor Ukafor Okorie ◽  
Oluwatosin Odunayo Eluwole ◽  
Mahmood Butt Fawwad
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Business Cycle ◽  
Government Spending ◽  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
The State ◽  
Fiscal Policies ◽  
Asymmetric Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spending Shocks ◽  
The Business Cycle

PurposeThis study examines the asymmetric effect of government spending on economic growth in Nigeria over the period 1980–2017. Specifically, this study investigates whether the response of economic growth to government spending shocks differs according to the nature of shocks on them. In addition, the authors examine whether the stabilizing effects of fiscal policies are dependent on the state of the business cycle.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts the linear fiscal reaction function in addition to the nonlinear regression model of Hatemi-J (2011, 2012), Granger and Yoon (2002), which allows us to separate negative shocks from positive shocks to government spending. Similarly, the authors adopt the generalized method of moments (GMM) techniques of Hansen (1982) to account for simultaneity and endogeneity problems inherent in dynamic model.FindingsThe authors’ findings reveal that there is evidence of asymmetry in the government spending–economic growth nexus in Nigeria over the period of study. Specifically, the authors find that the response of economic growth to government spending shocks differs according to the nature of shocks on them. More specifically, the study established that the stabilizing effects of fiscal policies are dependent on the state of the business cycle.Originality/valueUnlike the traditional method of modeling asymmetry, which adopts the simple inclusion of a squared government spending term or by the inclusion of a cubic government spending term, the model adopted in this study allows us to model shocks and show how the responses of economic growth to government expenditure differ according to the nature of shocks on them.

The fiscal policy and the dynamic of the economic cycle

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-241
Author(s):  
Huthaifa Alqaralleh
Keyword(s):  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Economic Cycle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unobserved Component ◽  
Cyclical Fluctuations ◽  
Policy Shocks ◽  
The Business Cycle ◽  
Unobserved Component Model

PurposeThis study seeks to determine in some detail whether the state of the economic cycle matters in considering the effects of fiscal policy shocks on output.Design/methodology/approachThis issue leads us to two primary objectives: to define the economic cycle measuring the gap with the unobserved component model with a smoother trend, which can be used efficiently to generate gap measures for use in real-time decision-making and avoids the criticisms of measures based on contentious structural models; and to look empirically at the fiscal policy stance over the phases of the cycle, bearing in mind the short time variation and smooth change between the cycle regimes.FindingsThis paper provides evidence that the fiscal policy rule seems to operate with varied coefficients depending on whether the transition variable is below or above the estimated threshold value.Originality/valueThe asymmetric response gives policymakers the impetus to reconsider the fiscal policy framework because of specific circumstances, such as shocks that can dramatically affect the nominal features of the business cycle. Put differently, stable and moderate fiscal policies would at least not contribute to cyclical fluctuations, and therefore would be better than what we have typically experienced. There would, therefore, seem to be a distinct need to address the properties of economic cycles under different fiscal policy rules.

Prospects for the Russian economy to end-2019

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Government Spending ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Gdp Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Russian Economy ◽  
Macroeconomic Stability

Subject Prospects for the Russian economy to end-2019. Significance GDP growth slowed in the first quarter of 2019. Despite sluggish growth, macroeconomic stability persists. Government spending is restrained by a prudent fiscal policy framework, the state's borrowing requirements are minimal and inflation remains at an historically low level.

The macroeconomic effects of fiscal consolidation policies in Greece

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanos Papadamou ◽  
Trifon Tzivinikos
Keyword(s):  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
Wage Policy ◽  
Government Consumption ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indirect Taxes ◽  
Debt Dynamics ◽  
Policy Shocks ◽  
The Government ◽  
A Minor

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effects of contractionary fiscal policy shocks on major Greek macroeconomic variables within a structural vector autoregression framework while accounting for debt dynamics. Design/methodology/approach The sign restriction approach is applied to identify a linear combination of government spending and government revenue shock simultaneously while accounting for debt dynamics. Additionally, output and unemployment responses to fiscal shocks under different scenarios concerning the amalgamation of austerity measures are considered. Findings The results indicate that a contractionary consumption policy shock, namely, a 1 per cent decrease in government consumption and a 1 per cent increase in indirect taxes, is preferred, as it produces a minor decrease in output and substantially decreases public debt, while a contractionary wage policy shock is suitable only when the government aims to sharply reduce public debt, as the consequences for the economy are harsh. A contractionary investment policy shock is not recommended, as it triggers a rise in unemployment and a fall in output, while the effect on the public debt is minor. Practical implications Policymakers should focus their efforts on reducing unproductive government consumption on the expenditure side. Concerning revenues, the reinforcement of tax administration is recommended to ensure that indirect taxes will be collected. Originality/value This paper contributes to the existing literature by providing a disaggregated analysis of the effects of fiscal policy actions in Greece by implementing several fiscal policy scenarios and accounting for the level of public debt. All scenarios are in the vein of the economic adjustment programs guidelines.

HOME BIAS IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND QUASI NEUTRALITY OF FISCAL SHOCKS

2005 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
GIOVANNI GANELLI
Keyword(s):  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Government Spending ◽  
Home Bias ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Policy Shocks ◽  
Fiscal Shocks

We show how introducing home bias in government spending in the redux model generates quasi neutrality of fiscal policy shocks. We offer an intuitive explanation for this result and we stress its policy implications.

scholarly journals Effects of trend inflation on monetary policy and fiscal policy shocks in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Thanh Ha ◽  
Finch Nigel
Keyword(s):  
Monetary Policy ◽  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Money Supply ◽  
New Keynesian ◽  
Method Of Moment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Keynesian Model ◽  
Trend Inflation ◽  
Policy Shocks ◽  
The Government

PurposeThis paper analyzes variations in effects of monetary and fiscal shocks on responses of macroeconomic variables, determinacy region and welfare costs due to changes in trend inflation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors develops the New-Keynesian model, which the central banks can employ either nominal interest rate (IR rule) or money supply (MS rule) to conduct monetary policies. They also use their budgets for capital and recurrent spending to conduct fiscal policies. By using simulated method of moment (SMM) for parameter estimation, the authors characterize Vietnam's economy during 1996Q1 -2015Q1.FindingsThe results report that consequences of monetary policy and fiscal policy shocks become more serious if there is a rise in trend inflation. Furthermore, the money supply might not be an effective instrument and using the government budget for recurrent spending produces severe consequences in the high-trend-inflation economy.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that examines the effects of trend inflation on the monetary and fiscal policy implementation in the case of Vietnam.

A Multivariable System Approach for the Assessment of the Influence of Fiscal Policy to Business Cycle Shocks

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-47
Author(s):  
Iraklis Kollias ◽  
John Leventides
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Control ◽  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Business Cycle ◽  
Government Spending ◽  
Inequality Constraints ◽  
Multivariable System ◽  
Control Potential ◽  
Policy Action ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Cyclical Component

The authors consider a multivariable system comprising a set of macroeconomic variables as inputs, states and outputs. In this setting the authors assess the control potential of fiscal policy versus a large negative business cycle shock that affects the output of the system. The inputs considered for this matter are the cyclical components of government spending and taxes. The states are the cyclical components of consumption and investment. These variables convey information to the policy maker at each time period. The output of the system is the cyclical component of GDP. In order to assess the control potential of government fiscal policy we begin by solving an optimal control problem minimizing the deviations of log GDP from its trend subject to a multivariable system and a set of input - output inequality constraints. Based on the results obtained the authors propose a set of optimal control indicators used to evaluate the effectiveness of fiscal policy action against a large negative business cycle shock and the potential controllability of the system.

Empirical Analysis of the Effect of Fiscal Policy Shocks in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Ji
Keyword(s):  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Government Spending ◽  
Policy Design ◽  
Policy Decision ◽  
Growth Stimulation ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Policy Shocks ◽  
Tax Shocks

Abstract The central issues concerning fiscal policy makers include macroeconomic stability and growth stimulation. The policy decision process is facilitated by investigation on the effects of fiscal policy, such as a change in government spending or taxes on macroeconomic variables comprising inflation, aggregate output, and interest rates. Build on the Blanchard-Perotti identification approach, this paper empirically analyses the influence of fiscal policy to aggregate economic activities in China, and the estimated results are compared between China and the advanced economies. The findings demonstrate that the impulse responses incurred by tax shocks are generally stimulative, although government spending shocks tend to be neutral, revealing meaningful implications for the fiscal space and policy design.

South African downgrades will raise regional risks

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Government Spending ◽  
Credit Rating ◽  
Customs Union ◽  
Government Revenue ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Finance Minister ◽  
African Development Bank ◽  
Sovereign Credit Rating

Subject Regional impact of South Africa's downgrades. Significance In April 2017, Standard & Poor's and later Fitch downgraded South Africa's sovereign credit rating to junk status. This has raised regional risks for members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), who rely on the union for government revenues. South Africa's ratings downgrades will reduce revenues for other members, who received 46.0 billion rand (3.56 billion dollars) of the 84.0-billion-rand revenue pool in 2015-16, and force cutbacks in government spending across the region. Impacts Botswana's government revenue will only be moderately constrained by the downgrades. Namibia will be resilient to reduced SACU revenue in the short term, supported by a loan from the African Development Bank. South Africa will struggle to reassure investors that a new finance minister does not signal a change in fiscal policy.

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