This dissertation examines the role of bank structure on the effectiveness of monetary policy. Using time series data for U.S. banks, I examine the varying effect of monetary policy on bank lending for the period 1976-2003. It is found that as the banking industry gets more concentrated (through...

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of bank-specific, industry-specific and macroeconomic determinants of bank profitability, using an empirical framework that incorporates the traditional Structure-Conduct-Performance (SCP) hypothesis. To account for profit persistence, we apply a...

This paper proposes and implements a tractable approach to detect group structure in panel data. The mechanism works by means of a panel structure model, which assumes that individuals form a number of homogeneous groups in a heterogeneous population. Within each group, the (linear) regression...

This note explores the relationship between the price elasticity of demand and the R&D intensity of the product. We introduce the concept of R&D intensity into a standard Dixit-Stiglitz/Krugman-type setting. R&D activity is treated as a fixed cost of production. Within this framework, sectors...

We develop likelihood-based estimators for autoregressive panel data models that are consistent in the presence of time series heteroskedasticity. Bias corrected conditional score estimators, random effects maximum likelihood (RML) in levels and first differences, and estimators that impose mean...

Private savings mirror consumption behavior. In Europe, the dynamic of consumption is very low, and at the same time, savings are increasing. Is this a result of macroeconomic policy? A GMM estimator is used to analyze the determinants of private saving in the EU?s 15 member states. Our main...