The Golden Rule and the Economic Cycles

Keiko Honjo

No 2007/199, IMF Working Papers from International Monetary Fund

Abstract: The present formulation of the golden rule in the United Kingdom allows fiscal performance to be tested explicitly on an ex-post basis. However, it requires precise dating of the economic cycle, which can lead to significant controversy. Also, the need to aim for current balance or better "over the cycle" may force fiscal policy to be procyclical toward the end of cycles. Using dynamic stochastic simulations, the paper suggests that making the formulation of the golden rule forward-looking and independent of the dating of the economic cycle would reduce the risk of procyclicality and enhance macroeconomic stability.

Keywords: WP; open economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 23
Date: 2007-08-01
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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