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Volatility and Growth in Latin America: An Episodic Approach

Author/Editor: Sahay, Ratna | Goyal, Rishi
Authorized for Distribution: December 1, 2006
Electronic Access: Free Full Text (PDF file size is 639KB)
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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF. The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate.

Summary: This paper compares the pattern of macroeconomic volatility in 17 Latin American countries during episodes of high and low growth since 1970, examining in particular the role of policy volatility. Macroeconomic outcomes are distinguished from macroeconomic policies, structural reforms and reversals, shocks, and institutional constraints. Based on previous work, a composite measure of structural reforms is constructed for the 1970-2004 period. We find that outcomes and policies are more volatile in low growth episodes, while shocks (except U.S. interest rates) are similar across episodes. Fiscal policy volatility is associated with lower growth, but fiscal policy procyclicality is not. Low levels of market-oriented reforms and structural reform reversals are also associated with lower growth.
 
Series: Working Paper No. 06/287
Subject(s): Economic growth | Latin America | Economic reforms | Economic policy | Economic models
Author's keyword(s): Growth | volatility | structural reforms | Latin America | episodic approach
 
English  
    Published:   December 1, 2006        
    ISBN/ISSN:   1934-7073   Format:   Paper
    Stock No:   WPIEA2006287   Pages:   52
    Price:   US$18.00
       
     
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