Tracking Short-Term Dynamics of Economic Activity in Low-Income Countries in the Absence of High-Frequency Gdp Data

Author/Editor:

S. V. S. Dixit ; Maxwell Opoku-Afari

Publication Date:

May 1, 2012

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

This paper uses a set of routinely collected high-frequency data in low-income countries (LICs) to construct an aggregate and a comprehensive index of economic activity which could serve (i) as a measure of the direction of economic activity; and (ii) as a useful input in analyzing contemporaneous real sector performance in LICs in the absence of high-frequency, and often outdated, GDP data. It could also serve as a useful tool for policymakers to gauge short-term dynamics of economic activity and shape appropriate and timely policy responses.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2012/119

Subject:

Business cycles Cyclical indicators Economic growth Inflation Labor Prices Taxes Value-added tax

English

Publication Date:

May 1, 2012

ISBN/ISSN:

9781475503487/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2012119

Pages:

20

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