American Economic Review
ISSN 0002-8282 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7981 (Online)
Shocks and Frictions in US Business Cycles: A Bayesian DSGE Approach
American Economic Review
vol. 97,
no. 3, June 2007
(pp. 586–606)
Abstract
Using a Bayesian likelihood approach, we estimate a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model for the US economy using seven macroeconomic time series. The model incorporates many types of real and nominal frictions and seven types of structural shocks. We show that this model is able to compete with Bayesian Vector Autoregression models in out-of-sample prediction. We investigate the relative empirical importance of the various frictions. Finally, using the estimated model, we address a number of key issues in business cycle analysis: What are the sources of business cycle fluctuations? Can the model explain the cross correlation between output and inflation? What are the effects of productivity on hours worked? What are the sources of the "Great Moderation"? (JEL D58, E23, E31, E32)Citation
Smets, Frank, and Rafael Wouters. 2007. "Shocks and Frictions in US Business Cycles: A Bayesian DSGE Approach." American Economic Review 97 (3): 586–606. DOI: 10.1257/aer.97.3.586Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D58 Computable and Other Applied General Equilibrium Models
- E23 Macroeconomics: Production
- E31 Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
- E32 Business Fluctuations; Cycles