In this paper, we use an extension of Hamilton's (1989) Markov switching techniques to describe and analyze stock market returns. Using new tests, we find very strong evidence of switching behaviour. A major innovation of our work is to use a multivariate specification which allows us to examine...

This paper tests between fads and bubbles using a new empirical strategy (based on switching regression econometrics) for distinguishing between competing asset pricing models. By extending the Blanchard and Watson (1982) model, we show how stochastic bubbles can lead to regime switching in...

This paper is a user's guide to a set of Gauss procedures developed at the Bank of Canada for estimating regime-switching models. The procedures can estimate relatively quickly a wide variety of switching models and so should prove useful to the applied researcher. Sample program listings are...

This paper explores two very different models which might account for stock market crashes. A key innovative feature of our paper is that we use the models to show how their implications for stock market crashes may be tested using switching-regression econometrics. We are careful to show that...

In order for time series estimates of the output gap to be useful to policy makers, this paper argues that two factors will be critical. First, they must be able to produce an estimate of the current output gap based only on past information. Put another way, to evaluate the performance of such...

The authors document a robust and interesting relationship between the real domestic price of oil and real effective exchange rates for Germany, Japan and the United States. They explain why they think the real oil price captures exogenous terms-of-trade shocks and why such shocks could be the...

Since Kydland and Prescott published their famous article on rules versus discretion in 1977, the literature on the time-inconsistency problem of economic policy expanded rapidly. While much of the literature is highly technical and can seem esoteric, there is generally an underlying...

We document a robust and interesting relationship between the real domestic price of oil and real effective exchange rates for Germany, Japan and the United States. We also offer an explanation why the real oil price captures exogenous terms of trade shocks, and why such shocks could be the most...