This paper generalizes the approach of Zhou, van den Akker, Werker (2019), which was designed to derive semiparametric power envelope and construct efficient rank-based tests for the univariate unit root testing problem. The generalization is threefold. First, it becomes a unified method...

We examine the (potentially nonlinear) relationship between inequality and growth using a method which does not require an a priori assumption on the underlying functional form. This approach reveals a plateau completely missed by commonly used (nonlinear) parametric approaches - the economy...

This paper proposes a new approach to examine the relationship between CO2 emissions and economic developing. In particular, we propose to test the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis for a panel of 24 OECD countries and 32 non-OECD countries by developing a more flexible estimation...

This paper uses nonparametric kernel methods to construct observation-specific elasticities of substitution for a balanced panel of 73 developed and developing countries to examine the capital-skill complementarity hypothesis. The exercise shows some support for capital-skill complementarity,...

This appendix extends simulation and empirical results reported in Mancini and Trojani (2010). It discusses the choice of the robustness tuning constants; describes the unconditional, independence and conditional coverage tests for VaR forecast evaluation; provides additional Monte Carlo...

New macro empirical evidence is provided to assess the relative importance of object and idea gaps in explaining the world income distribution dynamics over a benchmark period 1960-1985. Results are then extended through 1995. Formal statistical hypothesis tests allow us to discriminate between...

In this paper, we examine the effect of IMF (imposed) programs on countries income inequality for the period 1963-2015. To deal with selection bias, we use a potential outcomes framework, which does not rely on the selection of matching variables and has the further advantage of uncovering the...