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Approximation Bias in Linearized Euler Equations / Sydney Ludvigson, Christina H. Paxson.
- Format:
- Book
- Author/Creator:
- Ludvigson, Sydney.
- Series:
- Technical Working Paper Series (National Bureau of Economic Research) no. t0236.
- NBER technical working paper series no. t0236
- Language:
- English
- Subjects (All):
- Consumption (Economics)--Mathematical models.
- Consumption (Economics).
- Stochastic approximation.
- Tax incidence.
- Physical Description:
- 1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);
- Place of Publication:
- Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 1999.
- Cambridge, Mass. : National Bureau of Economic Research, 1999.
- Summary:
- A wide range of empirical applications rely on linear approximations to dynamic Euler equations. Among the most notable of these is the large and growing literature on precautionary saving that examines how consumption growth and saving behavior are affected by uncertainty and prudence. Linear approximations to Euler equations imply a linear relationship between expected consumption growth and uncertainty in consumption growth, with a slope coefficient that is a function of the coefficient of relative prudence. This literature has produced puzzling results: Estimates of the coefficient of relative prudence (and the coefficient of relative risk aversion) from regressions of consumption growth on uncertainty in consumption growth imply estimates of prudence and risk aversion that are unrealistically low. Using numerical solutions to a fairly standard intertemporal optimization problem, our results show that the actual relationship between expected consumption growth and uncertainty in consumption growth differs substantially from the relationship implied by a linear approximation. We also present Monte Carlo evidence that shows that the instrumental variables methods commonly used to estimate the parameters correct some, but not all, of the approximation bias.
- Notes:
- Print version record
- March 1999.
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