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Price and Volume Measures in the System of National Accounts

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  • W. Erwin Diewert

Abstract

The paper is an extensive review of chapter 16 in the System of National Accounts, 1993 written by Peter Hill. The basic principles for measuring price and quantity change in the National Accounts are explained. The paper also presents some new material on the consistency of superlative indexes with indexes which are additive in their components. Some new material on the treatment of quality change is also presented which indicates that traditional Statistical Agency treatments of this issue will lead to upward bias in price indexes. The literature on sources of bias in consumer price indexes is also reviewed.

Suggested Citation

  • W. Erwin Diewert, 1995. "Price and Volume Measures in the System of National Accounts," NBER Working Papers 5103, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:5103
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    2. Robert Gordon, 1995. "Problems in the Measurement and Performance of Service-Sector Productivity in the United States," RBA Annual Conference Volume (Discontinued), in: Palle Andersen & Jacqueline Dwyer & David Gruen (ed.),Productivity and Growth, Reserve Bank of Australia.
    3. Victor Olkhov, 2020. "Volatility Depends on Market Trades and Macro Theory," Papers 2008.07907, arXiv.org, revised Jun 2024.
    4. Ariel Coremberg, 2008. "The Measurement of TFP in Argentina, 1990-2004: A Case of the Tyranny of Numbers, Economic Cycles and Methodology," International Productivity Monitor, Centre for the Study of Living Standards, vol. 17, pages 52-74, Fall.
    5. Barbara M. Fraumeni & Marshall B. Reinsdorf & Brooks B. Robinson & Matthew P. Williams, 2009. "Price and Real Output Measures for the Education Function of Government: Exploratory Estimates for Primary and Secondary Education," NBER Chapters, in: Price Index Concepts and Measurement, pages 373-403, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    JEL classification:

    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation

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