Stochastic Index Numbers: A Review

Kenneth Clements, Izan H.y and Eliyathamby Selvanathan
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Izan H.y: Department of Economics, The University of Western Australia

No 05-08, Economics Discussion / Working Papers from The University of Western Australia, Department of Economics

Abstract: The stochastic approach is a new way of viewing index numbers in which uncertainty and statistical ideas play a central role. Rather than just providing a single number for the rate of inflation, the stochastic approach provides the whole probability distribution of inflation. This paper reviews the key elements of the approach and then discusses some previously overlooked links with Fisher’s early work contained in his book The Making of Index Numbers. We then consider some more recent developments, including Diewert’s well-known critique of the stochastic approach, and provide responses to his criticisms. We also provide a review of Theil’s work on the stochastic approach, and present and extend Diewert’s work on this topic within the context of the Country Product Dummy method which measures price levels internationally.

Pages: 41 pages
Date: 2005
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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