Using a simple stochastic growth model, this paper demonstrates that the coefficient of variation of aggregate output or GDP does not necessarily go to zero even if the number of sectors or economic agents goes to infinity. This phenomenon known as non-self-averaging implies that even if the...

Using a simple stochastic growth model, this paper demonstrates that the coefficient of variation of aggregate output or GDP does not necessarily go to zero even if the number of sectors or economic agents goes to infinity. This phenomenon known as non-self-averaging implies that even if the...

Strong fluctuation phenomena are an endogenous feature of economic systems if they are non-self-averaging. We show that an important consequence of non-self-averaging is that current forms of economic policy can be rendered useless. We also find non-self-averaging both to exist in microeconomic...