Real convergence and regime-switching among EU accession countries

Part of : SEEJE ; Vol.6, No.1, 2008, pages 9-27

Issue:
Pages:
9-27
Author:
Abstract:
Real convergence among the ten EU 2004 accession economies is investigated with respect to long-run real interest parity. We employ a novel approach where unit root tests for real interest differentials are embedded within a Markov regime switching framework. Whereas standard univariate unit-root tests provide mixed support for parity, we find parity is present in all cases where differentials either switch between regimes of stationary and non-stationarity behavior, or between alternative regimes of stationarity characterized by differing degrees of persistence. Further insights are obtained from the inferred probabilities of being in each regime, and the regime-switching nature of the differential variances.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
Keywords:
real interest parity, stationarity, Markov regime-switching
Notes:
Περιέχει σημειώσεις, πίνακες, διαγράμματα και βιβλιογραφία, We are grateful for the helpful comments provided by two anonymous referees. The usual disclaimer applies., JEL Classification: C330, E430, F300, G150