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Fractional Output Convergence, with an Application to Nine Developed Countries

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  • Arielle Beyaert

Abstract

We argue that cross-country convergence of output per capita should be examined in a fractional-integration time-series context and we propose a new empirical strategy to test it, which is the first one that discriminates between fractional long-run convergence and fractional catching-up. The starting point of the paper is: since there are reasons to believe that aggregate output is fractionally integrated, the usual testing strategy based on unit-root or traditional I(1)-I(0) cointegration techniques is too restrictive and may lead to spurious results. We then propose a new classification of output convergence processes which is valid when outputs are fractionally integrated and which nests the usual definitions built for an I(1)-versus-I(0) world. The new testing strategy, which can identify the precise type of convergence, is based on the combined use of new inferential techniques developed in the fractional integration literature. The advantage of these new techniques is that of being robust both to the presence of a trend and to a memory parameter d above 0.5. We explain in detail the importance of this advantage for testing convergence. This strategy applied on a group of developed countries (G-7, Australia and New Zealand) shows that these countries converged in the last century; it also determines the type of convergence for each one. The main result is that per-capita-output differentials are typically mean-reverting fractionally I(d), with d significantly above 0 but below 1. This contrasts with the results of divergence obtained with six unit-root tests and by other authors with I(1)-I(0) (co)integration techniques. The paper therefore contributes to solve the puzzling negative or inconclusive results about convergence usually obtained with I(1)-I(0) tests; our results also prove that the proposed widening of the statistical definition of output convergence is necessary and that convergence does take place but is slower than traditionally expected

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  • Arielle Beyaert, 2004. "Fractional Output Convergence, with an Application to Nine Developed Countries," Econometric Society 2004 Australasian Meetings 280, Econometric Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecm:ausm04:280
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    Cited by:

    1. Gilles Dufrénot & Valérie Mignon & Théo Naccache, 2009. "The slow convergence of per capita income between the developing countries: “growth resistance” and sometimes “growth tragedy”," Discussion Papers 09/03, University of Nottingham, CREDIT.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    real convergence; fractional integration; unit roots; non stationarity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies
    • O41 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - One, Two, and Multisector Growth Models

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