This paper studies the degree of convergence in per capita social protection benefits registered in the European Union during the 1966-92 period. To that end, we use data supplied by Eurostat and compute the two indicators more widely used in convergence analysis: σ-convergence and β-convergence.

Using a harmonized data set for the European Union and panel data techniques, and following a production function approach, we find a positive growth effect of total social protection expenditure on growth. When evaluating the effects of different programmes, the results are mixed.

The paper presents the results of applying an indicator of local (daily) volatility, based on the literature on forecasting in nonlinear systems to six EMS currencies, using data for the period January 1974-April 1995.

The degree of convergence in fiscal pressure registered in the European Union during the 1967-94 period is studied. To that end, OECD data is used and both the traditional cross-sectional convergence indicators and the time series analysis of the longrun properties of the data set are examined.

Using a harmonized data set for the European Union and panel data techniques, and following a production function approach, we find a positive growth effect of total social protection expenditure on growth. When evaluating the effects of different programmes, the results are mixed.

We examine the predictive ability and consistency properties of exchange rate expectations for the dollar/euro using a survey conducted in Spain by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) among a panel of experts and entrepreneurs. Our results suggest that the PwC panel have some forecasting ability for...

New evidence is presented on the positive correlation between returns from technical trading rules and periods of central bank intervention. To that end, the profitability of a trading strategy based on nearest-neighbour (nonlinear) predictors is evaluated, which may be viewed as a...

This paper attempts to evaluate the possible influence of short-term interest rates on the determination of long-term interest rates for some EMS countries. In particular, we discuss a way of reconciling the widely dominant term-structure approach to interest rates with the conditions imposed by...

This study provides empirical evidence on the determinants of exchange rate credibility under the European Monetary System (EMS). To that end, it considers both economic variables and political factors using data of eight currencies participating in the Exchange Rate Mechanism, covering the...

This study investigates the relationship between market integration and price convergence in international markets. Using a panel data set of consumer price indices (general and by groups and classes), it examines how European market integration has affected cross-country dispersion in the...