Asymmetric effects of the exchange rate on domestic corporate goods prices

Abstract

This paper empirically examines whether there are asymmetric effects of the exchange rate on domestic corporate goods prices when the exchange rate is more volatile. To identify different volatilities in the exchange rate, we employ a threshold regression model. In other words, we define exchange rate volatility as a threshold variable. By using monthly data from Japan, we estimate a threshold parameter and calculate its confidence interval by following Hansen (2000). The results substantiate that the degree of exchange rate pass-through to the aggregated corporate goods price index is higher and more gradually adjusted in a higher exchange rate volatility regime. Furthermore, such asymmetric relationships are clearly found in three disaggregated corporate goods prices: petroleum and coal products, nonferrous metals, and chemicals and related products.