Forward and backward dynamics in implicitly defined overlapping generations models

Laura Gardini (), Cars Hommes (), Fabio Tramontana () and Robin de Vilder

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 2009, vol. 71, issue 2, pages 110-129

Abstract: In dynamic economic models derived from optimization principles, the forward equilibrium dynamics may not be uniquely defined, while the backward dynamics is well defined. We derive properties of the global forward equilibrium paths based on properties of the backward dynamics. We propose the framework of iterated function systems (IFSs) to describe the set of forward equilibria and apply the IFS framework to a one- and a two-dimensional version of the overlapping generations (OLG)-model. We show that if the backward dynamics is chaotic and has a homoclinic orbit (a "snap-back repeller"), the set of forward equilibrium paths converges to a fractal attractor. Forward equilibria may be interpreted as sunspot equilibria, where a random sunspot sequence determines equilibrium selection at each date.

Keywords: Forward; and; backward; dynamics; Chaos; Homoclinic; orbit; Snap-back; repellor; Sunspot; equilibria; Overlapping; generations; models (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Working Paper: Forward and Backward Dynamics in Implicitly Defined Overlapping Generations Models (2008)
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Persistent link: http://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:71:y:2009:i:2:p:110-129

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