Thomas J. Sargent and Christopher A. Sims: Empirical Macroeconomics

One of the main tasks for macroeconomists is to explain how macroeconomic aggregates -such as GDP, investment, unemployment, and inflation- behave over time. How are these variables affected by economic policy and by changes in the economic environment? A primary aspect in this analysis is the role of the central bank and its ability to influence the economy. How effective can monetary policy be in stabilizing unwanted fluctuations in macroeconomic aggregates? How effective has it been historically? Similar questions can be raised about fiscal policy. Thomas J. Sargent and Christopher A. Sims have developed empirical methods that can answer these kinds of questions. This year's prize recognizes these methods and their successful application to the interplay between monetary and fi scal policy and economic activity.