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Risk and Ambiguity in Models of Business Cycles

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  • David Backus
  • Axelle Ferriere
  • Stanley Zin

Abstract

We inject aggregate uncertainty - risk and ambiguity - into an otherwise standard business cycle model and describe its consequences. We find that increases in uncertainty generally reduce consumption, but they do not account, in this model, for either the magnitude or the persistence of the most recent recession. We speculate about extensions that might do better along one or both dimensions.

Suggested Citation

  • David Backus & Axelle Ferriere & Stanley Zin, 2014. "Risk and Ambiguity in Models of Business Cycles," NBER Working Papers 20319, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:20319
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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