This paper proposes a pair-wise approach to testing for output convergence that considers all N(N-1)/2 possible pairs of log per capita output gaps across N economies. A general probabilistic definition of output convergence is also proposed. The approach is compatible with individual output...

The authors examine the implications for the optimal interest rate rule that follow from relaxing the assumption that the policy-maker's loss function is quadratic. They investigate deviations from quadratics for both symmetric and asymmetric preferences for a single target and find that (i)...

This paper presents a new approach to portfolio optimisation that we call generalised mean-variance (GMV) analysis. One important case of this approach is based on the stocks m-tile (or quantile): if m = n, where n is the number of stocks, m-tile membership becomes rank. Our analysis is the rank...

This paper examines UK business cycle fluctuations in 22 complete cycles since 1871. We catalogue the incidence and typical duration of UK business cycles. The summary statistics of the economy are explored, including the spectral density, sample covariation and cross spectrum of macroeconomic...

Co-ordination through collective bargaining is recognised as an influential determinant of labour market and macroeconomic performance. This paper provides a systematic review of the empirical literature on the subject. We focus on comparative studies of labour institutions in the OECD area that...