Elasticity Optimism

Jean M. Imbs () and Isabelle Jeanne Méjean ()

No 7177, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: Estimates of the elasticity of substitution between domestic and foreign varieties are small in macroeconomic data, and substantially larger in disaggregated studies. This may be an artifact of heterogeneity. We use disaggregated multilateral trade data to structurally identify elasticities of substitution in US goods. We spell out a partial equilibrium model to aggregate them adequately at the country level. We compare aggregate elasticities that impose equality across sectors, to estimates allowing for heterogeneity. The former are similar in value to conventional macroeconomic estimates; but they are more than twice larger -up to 7- with heterogeneity. The parameter is central to calibrated models in most of international economics. We discuss the difference our corrected estimate makes in various areas of international economics, including the dynamics of external balances, the international transmission of shocks, international portfolio choice and optimal monetary policy.

Keywords: Aggregation; Calibration; Global Imbalances; International Portfolio; International Transmission; Monetary Policy; Trade Elasticities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F21 F32 F41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cba and nep-opm
Date: 2009-02
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Related works:
Working Paper: Elasticity optimism (2009)
Working Paper: Elasticity Optimism (2009)
Working Paper: Elasticity Optimism (2008)
Working Paper: Elasticity Optimism (2008)
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