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How long does a generation last? Assessing the relationship between infinite and finite horizon dynamic models

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  • Guerrazzi, Marco

Abstract

This paper aims at assessing the temporal relationship that exists between the time reference of dynamic models with infinite and finite horizon. Specifically, comparing the optimal inter-temporal plans arising from an infinite-horizon model and a 2-period overlapping generations model in their stationary equilibria, I offer a straightforward way to determine the number of time periods of the former that may form a unit of time of the latter. In this way, I show that the theoretical length of a generation is an increasing function of the discount factor of the optimizing agent and I provide an economic rationale for such a relationship grounded on consumption smoothing.

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  • Guerrazzi, Marco, 2021. "How long does a generation last? Assessing the relationship between infinite and finite horizon dynamic models," MPRA Paper 105641, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:105641
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul A. Samuelson, 1958. "An Exact Consumption-Loan Model of Interest with or without the Social Contrivance of Money," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 66(6), pages 467-467.
    2. Papetti, Andrea, 2021. "Demographics and the natural real interest Rate: historical and projected paths for the euro area," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
    3. Sudo, Nao & Takizuka, Yasutaka, 2020. "Population Aging And The Real Interest Rate In The Last And Next 50 Years: A Tale Told By An Overlapping Generations Model," Macroeconomic Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 24(8), pages 2060-2103, December.
    4. Marco Guerrazzi, 2010. "Nominal Wage Indexation, Quasi‐Equilibria And Real Wage Dynamics," Bulletin of Economic Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(3), pages 279-294, July.
    5. Farmer, Roger E. A. & Plotnikov, Dmitry, 2012. "Does Fiscal Policy Matter? Blinder And Solow Revisited," Macroeconomic Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 16(S1), pages 149-166, April.
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    12. David Cass, 1965. "Optimum Growth in an Aggregative Model of Capital Accumulation," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 32(3), pages 233-240.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Infinite horizon; Overlapping generations; Consumption smoothing; Discount rate;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • C68 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computable General Equilibrium Models
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • E30 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)

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