Equilibrium real interest rates and secular stagnation: An empirical analysis for euro area member countries

Abstract

Is secular stagnation a valid concern for Euro Area countries? We tackle this question using the well-established Laubach-Williams model to estimate the unobservable equilibrium real interest rate and compare it to the actual real rate. We apply our approach to twelve Euro Area countries, since heterogeneity among member countries has become considerably extensive since the beginning of the financial crisis. Hence, the question of secular stagnation has to be answered at the country level. Our results indicate that secular stagnation does not appear to be a significant threat to most Euro Area countries. But there is one exception: Greece.