In this paper, we investigate the consequences of breaks in mean for the estimates of model parameters and the resulting inferences about the structure of the economy and policy implications. We explore the behavior of DSGE models that undergo occasional, but permanent shocks to the parameters that determine their steady state. We present a method for approximating the state space representatio...

So far the literature on DSGE models with energy price shocks uses energy on the production side only. In these models, energy shocks are responsible for only a negligible share of output fluctuations. We study the robustness of this finding. The aim of our paper is to model the response of household behavior to energy shocks in more detail as in the existing literature. Specifically, in additi...

This paper proposes a functional specification approach for dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models that explores the properties of the solution method used to approximate policy functions. In particular, the solution-driven specification takes the properties of the solution method directly into account when designing the structural model in order to deliver enhanced flexibility an...

This paper develops an estimated hybrid model that combines the micro-founded DSGE model with the flexibility of the theoretical VAR model. The model is estimated via the maximum likelihood technique based on quarterly data on real Gross National Product (GNP), consumption, investment and hours worked, for the South African economy, over the period of 1970:1 to 2000:4. Based on a recursive esti...

This paper evaluates the suitability of current DSGE models for monetary policy analysis from a Bayesian perspective, recognizing that these models may be useful even if they are misspecified along some dimensions, using the framework laid out in Faust and Gupta (2009). The paper argues that practical monetary policy analysis deals with determining how intended policy should be revised in light...

Real Expectations: Replacing Rational Expectations with Survey Expectations in Dynamic Macro Models Jeff Fuhrer Abstract: This paper examines the implications of changing the expectations assumption that is embedded in nearly all current macroeconomic models. The paper substitutes measured or “real” expectations for rational expectations in an array of standard macroeconomic relationships, as w...

The Boltzmann–Gibbs distribution is currently widely used in economic modeling. One of the applications is integrated with the DSGE (Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium) model. However, a question that arises concerns whether the Boltzmann–Gibbs distribution can be directly applied, without considering the underlying social network structure more seriously, even though the social network str...