While the asset price collapse of the late 80s in Japan might explain the disinflationary pressures that followed, it is hard to attribute the persistent deflation that the country has faced since the mid 90s to that initial shock. We argue that a failure to account for demographic trends when...

The demographic transition can affect the equilibrium real interest rate through three channels. An increase in longevity - or expectations thereof - puts downward pressure on the real interest rate, as agents build up their savings in anticipation of a longer retirement period. A reduction in...

The demographic transition can affect the equilibrium real interest rate through three channels. An increase in longevity -- or expectations thereof -- puts downward pressure on the real interest rate, as agents build up their savings in anticipation of a longer retirement period. A reduction in...