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Subjective Interest Rate Uncertainty and the Macroeconomy: A Cross-country Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • K. Istrefi
  • S. Mouabbi
Abstract
We ask whether uncertainty about interest rates is important for economic activity. Effects of interest rate uncertainty on the economy are examined through the lens of a small VAR where the assumption that uncertainty can affect real activity contemporaneously but not vice versa is indeed in line with the data. Our measure of uncertainty stems from professional forecasts of short- and long-term interest rates and accounts for both disagreement among forecasters and the perceived variability of future aggregate shocks. Studying a panel of countries we find that subjective interest rate uncertainty has large, negative and persistent effects on the economy.

Suggested Citation

  • K. Istrefi & S. Mouabbi, 2017. "Subjective Interest Rate Uncertainty and the Macroeconomy: A Cross-country Analysis," Working papers 619, Banque de France.
    • Handle: RePEc:bfr:banfra:619
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    interest rates; subjective uncertainty; surveys of professional forecasters; macroeconomic fluctuations; structural VAR;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
    • E43 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Interest Rates: Determination, Term Structure, and Effects
    • E47 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
    • F44 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - International Business Cycles
    • F47 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications

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