Are U.S. regions converging? Using new econometric methods to examine old issues

Are different regions of the United States experiencing convergence in levels of GDP? Carlino and Mills (1993) examined this question through time-series techniques, and found some evidence in favor of regional convergence. This paper checks the robustness of their results by using new econometric methods proposed by Vogelsang (1998). Our results, together with results from Loewy and Papell (1996), suggest there is stronger evidence in favor of convergence than previously thought based on the results of Carlino and Mills (1993).