This paper considers estimation and inference in panel vector autoregressions (PVARs) with fixed effects when the time dimension of the panel is finite, and the cross-sectional dimension is large. A Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimator based on a transformed likelihood function is proposed and shown to be consistent and asymptotically normally distributed irrespective of the unit root and cointegr...

The so-called Cauchy estimator uses the sign of the first lag as instrument variable in autoregressions, and the resulting IV t-type statistic has a standard normal limiting distribution even in the unit root case. Thus, nonstandard asymptotics of the usual unit root tests such as the augmented Dickey-Fuller [ADF] test can be avoided. Moreover, the ADF test is affected by unconditional heterosk...

In this paper we suggest panel data unit root tests which allow for a potential structural break in the individual e¤ects and/or the trends of each series of the panel, assuming that the time-dimension of the panel, T , is ...xed. The proposed test statistics consider for the case that the break point is known and for the case that it is unknown. Monte Carlo evidence suggests that they have siz...

We assess the sustainability of public finances in the EU15 using stationarity and cointegration analysis. Specifically, we use panel unit root tests of the first and second generation allowing in some cases for structural breaks. We also apply modern panel cointegration techniques developed by Pedroni (1999, 2004), generalized by Banerjee and Carrion-i-Silvestre (2006) and Westerlund and Edger...

A panel of industrial countries is examined for evidence of `tax smoothing’. Tax smoothing results when governments minimize tax distortions over time. The model provides a positive theory of government debt and is due primarily to Barro. Unit root tests are performed in panel data to test the null hypothesis of nonstationary tax rates. Panel regressions are then undertaken to test the null hyp...