We propose in this paper a likelihood-based framework for cointegration analysis in panels of a fixed number of vector error correction models. Maximum likelihood estimators of the cointegrating vectors are constructed using iterated Generalized Method of Moments estimators. Using these...

This report studies the reaction of the level and volatility of the euro-dollar exchange rate to statements of ECB officials during the first years of EMU. We focus on statements on monetary policy and the (potential) strength of the euro. We find that the Bundesbank has dominated the news...

In the run-up to EMU, academic economists generally concluded the EU as a whole was not an optimum currency area (OCA). An important reason was the lack of structural convergence between the potential members of the monetary union. Nevertheless, the euro area currently consists of twelve...

We explore the role of financial openness - capital account openness and gross capital inflows - and a newly constructed gravity-based contagion index to assess the importance of these factors in the run-up to currency crises. Using a quarterly data set of 46 advanced and emerging market...

This paper is part of the Kobe Research Project and documents the Dutch and Thai experiences regarding exchange rate policy, capital controls, and developments in the banking sector. In view of these experiences, it seeks to identify requirements for successful currency regimes, in particular...

This paper addresses two important, but distinct, issues in monetary policy. The first issue concerns regional influences on voting within a monetary policy committee. In a committee that includes representatives from different regions or countries, is there a regional element to the monetary...

We analyse the optimal composition of a federal or supra-national committee. The representation of regional (national) entities in federal committees is typically motivated by their superior knowledge of local conditions. Using this argument, we formally model the optimal composition of a...

The purpose of this study is to examine how monetary integration affects the exchange rate pass-through, by testing whether monetary policy convergence in the euro area led to a convergence in terms of exchange rate pass-through. We conduct a comparative study between the "experiment group" (the...

This paper employs a dynamic Ricardian model to analyse the impact of the timing of EU expansion on the real exchange rate between the accession countries' currencies and the euro. I find that the real exchange rate response to EU accession is smaller in the case of a postponed accession, as...

This paper analyses the impact of the timing of EU expansion on the real exchange rate between the accession countries' currencies and the euro. I ¯nd that the real exchange rate response to EU accession is smaller in the case of a postponed accession, as postponement gives the regions more...