We extend the vector autoregression (VAR) based expectations hypothesis test of term structure, considered in Bekaert & Hodrick (2001) using recent developments in bootstrap literature. Modifications include the use of wild bootstrap to allow for conditional heteroskedasticity in the VAR residuals without imposing strict parameterization, endogeneous model selection procedure in the bootstrap r...

I specify an econometric model to estimate the causal effects of environmental factors on individuals’ life-cycle health outcome, and outline a semiparametric control function approach to test and correct for the possible selectivity bias that may arise due to endogenous choice of residence by individuals. I show how to map Union Army Sample data to elements of this model in practice. JEL Class...

Based on monthly observations, I specify an econometric model capturing the driving forces behind the crude oil price series in recent years. A large set of covariates, such as supply and demand variables as well as futures market variables, is used to test the impact on the crude oil price. Current price movements are a result of scarce refining capacity and speculators betting on higher price...

The paper suggests a CUSUM-type test for time-varying parameters in a recently proposed spatial autoregressive model for stock returns and derives its asymptotic null distribution as well as local power properties. As can be seen from Euro Stoxx 50 returns, a combination of spatial modelling and change point tests allows for superior risk forecasts in portfolio management. JEL Classification: C...

Within the private-values paradigm, we construct a tractable empirical model of equilibrium behaviour at first-price auctions when bidders’ valuations are potentially dependent, but not necessarily affiliated. We develop a test of affiliation and apply our framework to data from low-price, sealed-bid auctions held by the Department of Transportation in the State of Michigan to procure road-resu...

This paper discusses inference about the pre and post break value of a scalar parameter in GMM time series models with a single break at an unknown point in time. We show that treating the break date estimated by least squares as the true break date leads to substantially oversized tests and confidence intervals unless the break is large. We develop an alternative test that controls size unifor...

Noussair et al (1995) invoked a trading environment similar to the 2 x 2 Ricardian model and observed the law of comparative advantage. In this experiment, we apply the same experimental setting but increase the number of goods and countries. We report an experiment to test a 3 x 3 Competitive Ricardian Model (CRM). The patterns of trade and output predicted by the law of comparative advantage ...

Employment Effects of Payroll Taxes An Empirical Test for Germany* This study tests to what degree the incidence of payroll taxes in Germany is on employment and whether in consequence payroll taxes, in particular social insurance contributions, are the culprit behind the growing unemployment problem. Using industry level data for 18 years (1977-1994) we estimate a system of five interdependent...

This paper assesses whether the UK public finances were sustainable for the period 1919 to 2001 using a nonlinear representation of the debt to GDP ratio and thus provides a more robust test of debt sustainability. Empirical evidence supports debt sustainability. Moreover, the ESTAR representation is evidence that sustainability is the result of active debt management rather than tax-smoothing....

The overvaluation hypothesis (Miller 1977) predicts that a) stocks are overvalued when there are short selling restrictions and that b) the overvaluation is increasing in the degree of divergence of opinion. We design an experiment that allows us to test these predictions in the laboratory. Our results support the hypothesis that prices are higher in the presence of short selling constraints. T...