Traditionally, the analysis of regional economic convergence is based on the notions of β-convergence and σ-convergence. However, both of these approaches have several drawbacks and limitations. To overcome these difficulties, we apply a more recent non-parametric approach in the convergence...

This study examines the evolution of the regional per capita income from the perspective of a policymaker at the national level. To do that, it utilizes stochastic dominance analysis by including a utility function that expresses the "regional inequalities aversion" level of the policymaker. In...

This study examines the evolution of the regional per capita income from the perspective of a policymaker at the national level. To do that, it utilizes stochastic dominance analysis by including a utility function that expresses the "regional inequalities aversion" level of the policymaker. In...

This article offers a new approach in assessing the presence of regional convergence in income per capita and applies it to data for sixty-five regions of the European Union over the decade leading up to the entry into force of the Maastricht Treaty. Within the framework of distributional...

Stochastically ordered random variables with given marginal distributions are combined into a joint distribution preserving the ordering and the marginals using a maximum entropy formulation. A closed-form expression is obtained. An application is in default estimation for different portfolio...

We develop tests for common values at first-price sealed-bid auctions. Our tests are nonparametric, require observation only of the bids submitted at each auction, and are based on the fact that the winner’s curse arises only in common values auctions. The tests build on recently developed...

The class of new worse/better than used in expectation on average (NWUEA/NBUEA) distributions is proposed. It is defined by the requirement that for each age t a weighted average of mean residual lives be greater/smaller than the life expectancy at birth. The weights are the shares of ages up to...

This paper presents the first empirical test with German establishment level data of a hypothesis derived by Helpman, Melitz and Yeaple in a model that explains the decision of heterogeneous firms to serve foreign markets either trough exports or foreign direct investment: only the more...

Despite their impressive market success, investment certificates' benefits are puzzling from both a theoretical and an empirical viewpoint. Previous research analyzed portfoliotheoretical issues, mispricing patterns, and counterparty risk. This work highlights the impact of taxation, which has...

This paper proposes a multidimensional procedure for jointly assessing the absolute and relative pro-poorness of growth. It is also a procedure for testing whether poverty comparisons can be made over classes of indices that incorporate both absolute and relative views of poverty. Besides being...