This paper investigates a model with tachnological cycles induced by shifts in technologies. The key feature is that technological development occurs partly by discrete replacement of obsolete technologies, partly by continuous innovation of components for a pervasive general purpose technology....

We use micro data on product prices linked to information on the firms that set them to test for selection effects (state dependence) in micro-level producer pricing. In contrast to using synthetic data from a canonical menu-cost model, we fi…nd very weak, if any, micro-level selection effects...

This paper studies optimal unemployment bene…fit levels and optimal proportional income tax rates over the business cycle. Previous research suggests that policy makers should make unemployment insurance (UI) dependent on the business cycle because the UI system can be used to smooth...

This paper studies optimal unemployment benefit levels and optimal proportional income tax rates over the business cycle. Previous research suggests that policy makers should make unemployment insurance (UI) dependent on the business cycle because the UI system can be used to smooth consumption...

During the last decade most western economies have experienced large and unexpected fluctuations in consumption and savings. The purpose of this paper is to provide additional insights into the individual household's consumption decision and thereby increase the knowledge of what governs these...