In this paper we propose a new test for efficiency of spot and forward markets where returns are nonstationary and cointegrated. The test for market efficiency is developed within the framework of a vector error correction (VEC) representation of a bivariate vector autoregression (VAR) model....

This paper uses annual data from 1870 and 2000 in Canada to test whether overtly political variables interact with macroeconomic variables through government size. We begin by asking whether Canada’s macro data is consistent with political cycles, i.e., the hypothesis that macro cycles have...

We address the problem of how to investigate whether economics, or politics, or both, matter in the explanation of public policy. We first pose the problem in a particular context by uncovering a political business cycle (using Canadian data for 130 years) and by taking up the challenge to make...

While the North Korean economy has emerged from a decade of negative growth, it is uncertain if the recovery is sustainable. This paper surveys the path the economy has taken, examines the issues of food, energy and foreign trade, and presents its prospects for the future.