Markov-switching DSGE Research Articles

Navigating geopolitical crises for energy security: Evaluating optimal subsidy policies via a Markov switching DSGE model

This paper aims to provide insights on the design of optimal subsidy policies to enhance energy security amidst energy disruptions triggered by geopolitical conflicts. We introduce a novel Markov switching dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (MS-DSGE) model to address the limitations of existing integrated assessment models in environmental evaluation. These models often fail to adequately consider the environmental and economic impacts of geopolitical conflicts and do not prioritize energy security sufficiently in policymaking. Our application of the MS-DSGE model to the Russia–Ukraine conflict reveals significant decreases in output, social welfare, and energy consumption during disruptions. The mere anticipation of an energy crisis influences household behaviors, leading to a reduction in energy, output, and consumption volatility, while concurrently increasing volatility in social welfare. We show that an optimal subsidy policy should be contingent upon productivity levels, energy imports, and the economy’s responsiveness to economic shocks. Moreover, the policy should also be adaptable to prevailing economic conditions and the likelihood of an upcoming crisis.

Classification of monetary and fiscal dominance regimes using machine learning techniques

This paper identifies U.S. monetary and fiscal dominance regimes using machine learning techniques. The algorithms are trained and verified by employing simulated data from Markov-switching DSGE models, before they classify regimes from 1968–2017 using actual U.S. data. All machine learning methods outperform a standard logistic regression concerning the simulated data. Among those the Boosted Ensemble Trees classifier yields the best results. We find clear evidence of fiscal dominance before Volcker. Monetary dominance is detected between 1984–1988, before a fiscally led regime turns up around the stock market crash lasting until 1994. Until the beginning of the new century, monetary dominance is established, while the more recent evidence following the financial crisis is mixed with a tendency towards fiscal dominance.

Asymmetric monetary policy rules for the euro area and the US

We analyse the implications of asymmetric monetary policy rules by estimating Markov-switching DSGE models for the euro area (EA) and the US. The estimations show that until mid-2014 the ECB’s response to inflation was more forceful when inflation was above than below the central bank’s aim. Since then, the ECB’s policy can be characterised as symmetric, and we quantify the macroeconomic implications of this policy change. We uncover asymmetries also in the Fed’s policy, which has responded more strongly in times of crisis. We compute optimal simple rules for the EA and the US in an environment with the effective lower bound and a low neutral real rate, and find that it prescribes a stronger response to inflation and the output gap when inflation is below target compared to when it is above target. We document its stabilisation properties had this optimal rule been implemented over the last two decades.

Asymmetric Monetary Policy Rules for the Euro Area and the Us

We analyse the implications of asymmetric monetary policy rules by estimating Markov-switching DSGE models for the euro area (EA) and the US. The estimations show that until mid-2014 the ECB’s response to inflation was more forceful when inflation was above 2% than below 2%. Since then, the ECB’s policy can be characterised as symmetric, and we quantify the macroeconomic implications of this policy change. We uncover asymmetries also in the Fed’s policy, which has responded more strongly in times of crisis. We compute an optimal simple rule for the EA and the US in an environment with the effective lower bound and a low neutral real rate, and find that it prescribes a stronger response to inflation and the output gap when inflation is below target compared to when it is above target. We document its stabilisation properties had this optimal rule been implemented over the last two decades. JEL Classification: E52, E58, E31, E32

Classification of Monetary and Fiscal Dominance Regimes Using Machine Learning Techniques

This paper identifies U.S. monetary and fiscal dominance regimes using machine learning techniques. The algorithms are trained and verified by employing simulated data from Markov-switching DSGE models, before they classify regimes from 1968-2017 using actual U.S. data. All machine learning methods outperform a standard logistic regression concerning the simulated data. Among those the Boosted Ensemble Trees classifier yields the best results. We find clear evidence of fiscal dominance before Volcker. Monetary dominance is detected between 1984-1988, before a fiscally led regime turns up around the stock market crash lasting until 1994. Until the beginning of the new century, monetary dominance is established, while the more recent evidence following the financial crisis is mixed with a tendency towards fiscal dominance.

Monetary policy, financial frictions and structural changes in Uganda: a Markov-switching DSGE approach

This paper considers the use of regime-switching dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models for monetary policy analysis and forecasting purposes. The objective is to determine whether or not the inclusion of these regime-switching features provide a more accurate description of the economy in a particular low income country. All of the models incorporate financial frictions that are introduced through the activities of heterogeneous agents in the household and several other features that are incorporated in most small open-economy models. Two variants of regime-switching models are considered: one includes switching in the monetary policy rule (only) and the other employs switching in both the monetary policy rule and the volatility of the shocks. The models are applied to the quarterly macroeconomic data for Uganda and most of the parameters are estimated with the aid of Bayesian techniques. The results of the extensive in- and out-of-sample evaluation suggest that the model parameters do not remain constant over the two regimes. In addition, the transition probabilities suggest that there are three distinct periods where the central bank response has been more aggressive. These periods relate to a change in policy framework and significant shocks that have affected the Ugandan economy. It is also noted that the forecasting performance of the regime-switching models are possibly superior to the model that excludes these features over certain horizons.

Forecasting with Second-Order Approximations and Markov-Switching DSGE Models

This paper considers the out-of-sample forecasting performance of first- and second-order perturbation approximations for DSGE models that incorporate Markov-switching behaviour in the policy reaction function and the volatility of shocks. The results suggest that second-order approximations provide an improved forecasting performance in models that do not allow for regime-switching, while for the MS-DSGE models, a first-order approximation would appear to provide better out-of-sample properties. In addition, we find that over short-horizons, the MS-DSGE models provide superior forecasting results when compared to those models that do not allow for regime-switching (at both perturbation orders).

SWITCHING TO GOOD POLICY? THE CASE OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN INFLATION TARGETERS

The paper analyzes how actual monetary policy changed following the official adoption of inflation targeting in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland and how it affected the volatilities of important macroeconomic variables in the years thereafter. To disentangle the effects of the policy shift from exogenous changes in the volatilities of these variables, a Markov-switching dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model is estimated that allows for regime switches in the policy parameters and the volatilities of shocks hitting the economies. Whereas estimation results reveal periods of high and low volatility for all three economies, the presence of different policy regimes is supported by the underlying data for the Czech Republic and Poland, only. In both economies, monetary policy switched from weak and unsystematic to strong and systematic responses to inflation dynamics. Simulation results suggest that the policy shifts of both central banks successfully reduced inflation volatility in the following years. The observed reduction in output volatility, on the other hand, is attributed more to a reduction in the size of external shocks.

Exchange Rate Pass-Through in Brazil: А Markov Switching DSGE Estimation for the Inflation Targeting Period

This paper investigates the nonlinearity of exchange rate pass-through in the Brazilian economy during the inflation targeting period (2000–2018) using a Markov-switching new Keynesian DSGE model. We find evidence of two distinct regimes for exchange rate pass-through and for the volatility of shocks to inflation. Under the so-called ‘normal’ regime, the long-run pass-through to consumer prices inflation is estimated as almost zero, only 0.00057 of a percentage point given a 1% exchange rate shock. In comprasion, the expected pass-through to inflation under a ‘crisis’ regime is 0.1035 of a percentage point, for the same exchange rate shock. These results allow us to identify four distinct cycles for exchange rate pass-through during the inflation targeting period in Brazil, and suggest that higher central bank credibility and anchored inflation expectations may be related to lower levels of pass-through.

Spectral representation and autocovariance structure of Markov switching DSGE models

We investigate the L2-structure of Markov switching Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (MS DSGE) models and derive conditions for strict and second-order stationarity. Then we determine the autocovariance function of the process driven by a stationary MS DSGE model and give a stable VARMA representation of it. It turns out that the autocovariance structure of the process coincides with that of a standard VARMA. Finally, we propose a method to derive the spectral density in a matrix closed-form of MS DSGE models. Our results relate with the works of Francq and Zakoian, Krolzig, Zhang and Stine. Numerical and empirical illustrations complete the article.

THE REGIME-DEPENDENT EVOLUTION OF CREDIBILITY: A FRESH LOOK AT HONG KONG'S LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM

An estimated Markov-switching DSGE modeling framework that allows for parameter shifts across regimes is employed to test the hypothesis of regime-dependent credibility of Hong Kong's linked exchange rate system. The baseline model distinguishes two regimes with respect to the time-series properties of the risk premium. Regime-dependent impulse responses to macroeconomic shocks reveal substantial differences in spreads. To test the sensitivity of the results, a number of robustness checks are performed. The findings contribute to efforts at modeling exchange rate regime credibility as a nonlinear process with two distinct regimes.

Inflation Targeting, Fiscal Policy, and the Exchange Rate Regime

ABSTRACTUntil recently, Turkey’s economy was characterized by high inflation, undisciplined public finance management, and a fragile banking system and experienced multiple economic crises. After the economy was hit by another crisis in 2001, the central bank became independent, adopted inflation targeting as the monetary policy framework, and implemented reforms to adopt a more stringent fiscal policy. Inflation rates decreased to single-digit levels within 3 years after the independence of the central bank. This article analyzes the end of the high inflation period in the context of monetary and fiscal policy interactions within a Markov-Switching Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium model in which monetary and fiscal policies are allowed to switch between different regimes.

Financial crises and time-varying risk premia in a small open economy: a Markov-switching DSGE model for Estonia

Under a currency board, the central bank relinquishes control over its monetary policy and domestic interest rates converge towards the foreign rates. Nevertheless, a spread between both usually remains. This spread can be persistently positive due to elevated risk in the economy. This paper models that feature by building a DSGE model with a currency board, where the domestic interest rate is endogenously derived as a function of the foreign rate, the external debt position and an exogenous risk premium component. Time variation in the volatility of the risk premium component is then modelled via a Markov-switching component. Estimating the model with Bayesian methods and Estonian data shows that the economy does not react much to shocks to domestic interest rates in quiet times but is much more sensitive during crises, and matches the financial and banking crises, which cannot be captured by the standard DSGE model.

Forecasting South African macroeconomic variables with a Markov-switching small open-economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model

This paper seeks to identify evidence of regime-switching behaviour in the monetary policy response function and the variance of the shocks. It makes use of various specifications of a small open-economy Markov-switching dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model that is applied to South African data from 1989 to 2014. While the in-sample statistics suggest that some of the regime-switching models may provide superior results, the out-of-sample statistics suggest that the inclusion of various forms of regime-switching does not significantly improve upon the forecasting performance of the model. The results also suggest that the central bank response function has been consistently applied over the sample period.

Bad Luck, Bad Policy, or Learning? A Markov-Switching Approach to Understanding Postwar U.S. Macroeconomic Dynamics

In this paper we analyze changes in the Federal Reserve behavior and objectives since the 1960s justified by potentially evolving beliefs — through a real-time learning process — about the structure of the economy and shifts in policymakers preferences in the late 1970s. In addition, we allow for changes in the volatility of the structural shocks in a medium scale Markov-switching DSGE model. We evaluate the relative contribution of each narrative to the explanation of the Great Inflation and the Great Moderation. We argue that the interplay between central bank learning and a shift in policy makers’ preferences explains movements in the monetary instrument, and regulates equilibrium determinacy in the economy. We find evidence of “bad” policy consistent with equilibrium indeterminacy during the 1970s and “good” policy during the Great Moderation. In addition, the model captures non-policy related high volatility periods clustered around the late 1960’s through the 1970s, specifically supply side shocks that behaved as destabilizing forces driving macroeconomic fluctuations. To conclude, we observe that a change in monetary policy objectives, assumptions about policymakers’ learning process, and Markov-switching volatility are key to fit the model to the U.S. post-war data.

Perturbation methods for Markov-switching dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models

Markov‐switching dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (MSDSGE) modeling has become a growing body of literature on economic and policy issues related to structural shifts. This paper develops a general perturbation methodology for constructing high‐order approximations to the solutions of MSDSGE models. Our new method—“the partition perturbation method”—partitions the Markov‐switching parameter space to keep a maximum number of time‐varying parameters from perturbation. For this method to work in practice, we show how to reduce the potentially intractable problem of solving MSDSGE models to the manageable problem of solving a system of quadratic polynomial equations. This approach allows us to first obtain all the solutions and then determine how many of them are stable. We illustrate the tractability of our methodology through two revealing examples. Partition principle naive perturbation quadratic polynomial system Taylor series high‐order expansion time‐varying coefficients nonlinearity Grobner bases C6 E3 G1

Assessing Brazilian macroeconomic dynamics using a Markov-switching DSGE model

Abstract The goal of this paper is to evaluate the behavior of the main parameters of the Brazilian economy through the estimation of an open-economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model using Bayesian methods and allowing for Markov switching of certain parameters. Using the DSGE model developed by Justiniano and Preston (2010) and the solution method of the Markov switching DSGE (MS-DSGE) model proposed by Farmer et al. (2008) , this paper found a superior fit in the data of Markov switching models, rejecting the hypothesis of constant parameters in DSGE models for the Brazilian economy.

Exchange Rate Pass-Through in Brazil: A Markov Switching DSGE Estimation for the Inflation Targeting Period

Exchange Rate Pass-Through in Brazil: A Markov Switching DSGE Estimation for the Inflation Targeting Period

An examination of macroeconomic fluctuations in Korea exploiting a Markov-switching DSGE approach

This paper estimates a Markov-switching dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (MS-DSGE) model that allows shifts in the monetary policy rule coefficients as well as the shock volatilities with Korean data ranged from 1976 to 2013. We find that allowing for the regime-switching aspect both in monetary policy rules and shock volatilities is a crucial setup in improving the model's fit with Korean data. The regime estimates indicate that monetary policy more aggressively reacts to inflation, but less strongly to output, after launching the Inflation Targeting (IT) policy in the late 1990s. The identified regimes have three implications on macroeconomic performance in Korea. First, the introduction of the IT monetary policy has contributed to a sharp reduction in the level as well as the volatility of inflation in the 2000s. Second, technology shocks are the most important drivers of output fluctuations in Korea as the major economic crises in Korea are mainly explained by adverse shocks on technology. Finally, it would have been possible to achieve higher output and lower inflation simultaneously if the IT monetary policy regime was maintained over the entire sample period.

On the stability of Calvo-style price-setting behavior

An increasing literature has been concerned that the dynamics of the economy keeps switching and that, in particular, it is important to allow time variation in the degree of Calvo stickiness. We investigate this with a Markov-switching Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium model and show that there is little gain when allowing for such time variation. As a result we recommend to use a constant Calvo stickiness parameter, even when allowing for regime shifts elsewhere.