Price Dynamics In Equilibrium Models

A long-standing unsolved problem in economic theory is how economic equilibria are attained. Price Dynamics in Equilibrium Models: The Search for Equilibrium and the Emergence of Endogenous Fluctuations considers a number of adjustment processes in different economic models and investigates their dynamical behaviour. Two important themes arising in this context are `bounded rationality' and `nonlinear dynamics'. Important sub-themes of the book are the following: how do boundedly rational agents interact with their environment and does this interaction in some sense lead to rational outcomes (which may or may not correspond to equilibria)? The second sub-theme deals with the consequences of the nonlinear dynamical nature of many adjustment processes. The results presented in this volume indicate that endogenous fluctuations are the rule rather than the exception in the search for equilibrium. The book uses the theory of nonlinear dynamics to analyze the dynamics of the different economic models. Due to the complexity of most of the models, an important role is played by computational methods. In particular, at regular instances the models are analyzed by numerical simulations and some computer-assisted proofs are provided. It also covers a wide range of dynamical models from economic theory. Most of these models merge the theory of nonlinear economic dynamics with the theory of bounded rationality. The book is written for anyone with an interest in economic theory in general and bounded rationality and endogenous fluctuations in particular. It is entirely self-contained and accessible to readers with only a limited knowledge of economic theory.

Optimal growth theory studies the problem of efficient resource allocation over time, a fundamental concern of economic research. Since the 1970s, the techniques of nonlinear dynamical systems have become a vital tool in optimal growth theory, illuminating dynamics and demonstrating the possibility of endogenous economic fluctuations. Kazuo Nishimura's seminal contributions on business cycles, chaotic equilibria and indeterminacy have been central to this development, transforming our understanding of economic growth, cycles, and the relationship between them. The subjects of Kazuo's analysis remain of fundamental importance to modern economic theory. This book collects his major contributions in a single volume. Kazuo Nishimura has been recognized for his contributions to economic theory on many occasions, being elected fellow of the Econometric Society and serving as an editor of several major journals. Chapter “Introduction” is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

The purpose and problems for equilibrium models -- Equilibrium models and explanation -- Equilibrium attainment vs. equilibrium necessities -- Does general equilibrium attainment imply universal maximization? -- Time and knowledge matters : general equilibrium attainment -- Equilibrium concepts and critiques : two cultures -- The limits of equilibrium models -- Recognizing knowledge in equilibrium models -- Limits of equilibrium methodology an educational dialogue -- Equilibrium models vs. realistic understanding -- Macroeconomic equilibrium model building and the stability problem -- Equilibrium models intended to overcome limits -- Equilibrium models vs. evolutionary economic models -- Equilibrium models vs. complexity economics -- Building models of price dynamics -- Building models of non-clearing markets -- Building models of learning and the equilibrium process -- Bibliography -- Names index -- Subject index

We examine the behavior of international relative prices from the perspective of dynamic general equilibrium theory, with particular emphasis on the variability of the terms of trade and the relation between the terms of trade and net exports. We highlight aspects of the theory that are critical in determining these properties, contrast our perspective with those associated with the Marshall-Lerner condition and the Harberger-Laursen-Metzler effect, and point out features of the data that have proved difficult to explain within existing dynamic general equilibrium models.

Prices and quantities of both stock and flow variables in an economic system are decisively influenced by their spatial coordinates. Any equilibrium state also mirrors the underlying spatial structure and a tatonnement process also incorporates the spatial ramifications of consumer and producer behaviour. The recognition ofthe spatial element in the formation of a general equilibrium in a complex space-economy already dates back to early work of LOsch, Isard and Samuelson, but it reached a stage of maturity thanks to the new inroads made by T. Takayama. This book is devoted to spatial economic equilibrium (SPE) analysis and is meant to pay homage to the founding father of modern spatial economic thinking, Professor Takayama. This book witnesses his great talents in clear and rigorous economic thinking regarding an area where for decades many economists have been groping in the dark. Everybody who wants to study the phenomenon of spatial economic equilibrium will necessarily come across Takayama's work, but this necessity is at the same time a great pleasure. Studying his work means a personal scientific enrichment in a field which is still not completely explored. The present volume brings together recent contributions to spatial equilibrium analysis, written by friends and colleagues of Takayama. The structure of the book is based on four main uses of spatial equilibrium models: (i) the imbedding of spatial flows in the economic environment, related to e.g.

This paper discusses the consequences of introducing imperfectly competitive product markets into an otherwise standard neoclassical growth model. We pay particular attention to the consequences of imperfect competition for the explanation of fluctuations in aggregate economic activity. Market structures considered include monopolistic competition, the 'customer market' model of Phelps and Winter, and the implicit collusion model of Rotemberg and Saloner. Empirical evidence relevant to the numerical calibration of imperfectly competitive models is reviewed. The paper then analyzes the effects of imperfect competition upon the economy's response to several kinds of real shocks, including technology shocks, shocks to the level of government purchases, and shocks that change individual producers' degree of market power. It also discusses the role of imperfect competition in allowing for fluctuations due solely to self-fulfilling expectations.

Commodities have become an important component of many investors' portfolios and the focus of much political controversy over the past decade. This book utilizes structural models to provide a better understanding of how commodities' prices behave and what drives them. It exploits differences across commodities and examines a variety of predictions of the models to identify where they work and where they fail. The findings of the analysis are useful to scholars, traders and policy makers who want to better understand often puzzling - and extreme - movements in the prices of commodities from aluminium to oil to soybeans to zinc.