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Discussion Paper Details

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Title: Elasticity Optimism

Author(s): Jean Imbs and Isabelle Mejean

Publication Date: February 2009

Keyword(s): Aggregation, Calibration, Global Imbalances, International Portfolio, International Transmission, Monetary Policy and Trade Elasticities

Programme Area(s): International Macroeconomics and International Trade and Regional Economics

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.

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Bibliographic Reference

Imbs, J and Mejean, I. 2009. 'Elasticity Optimism'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=7177