We develop a dynamic factor model with Markov switching to examine secular and business cycle fluctuations in U.S. unemployment rates. We extract the common dynamics among unemployment rates disaggregated for seven age groups. The framework allows analysis of the contribution of demographic...

We develop a dynamic factor model with Markov switching to examine secular and business cycle fluctuations in the U.S. unemployment rates. We extract the common dynamics amongst unemployment rates disaggregated for 7 age groups. The framework allows analysis of the contribution of demographic...

Multiple-equilibria macroeconomic models suggest that consumers and investors' perceptions about the state of the economy may be important independent factors for business cycles. In this paper, we examine empirically the interrelations between waves of optimism and pessimism and subsequent...