Chain indices of the cost-of-living and the path-dependence problem: An empirical solution

Nicholas Oulton ()

Journal of Econometrics, 2008, vol. 144, issue 1, pages 306-324

Abstract: This paper proposes a new method for estimating true cost-of-living (Konüs) indices, for large numbers of commodities, using data only on prices, aggregate budget shares and aggregate expenditure. Conventional chain indices are path-dependent unless income elasticities are (implausibly) all equal to 1. The method allows this difficulty to be overcome. I show that to estimate a Konüs index, only income and not price elasticities are required. The method is applied to estimate a Konüs price index for 70 products covering nearly all the UK's Retail Prices Index over 1974-2004, using the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System. The choice of base year for utility has a significant effect on the index.

Date: 2008

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Related works:
Working Paper: Chain Indices of the Cost of Living and the Path-Dependence Problem: An Empirical Solution (2007)
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