We provide key stylised facts on fiscal policy developments in Spain over the past three decades using quarterly data (1986Q1-2012Q2). First, we compute stylised facts on the cyclical properties of fiscal policies over that period. Next, we report updated evidence on the macroeconomic effects of...

In this paper we analyse the role that Social Security wealth and incentives play in the transition to retirement in Spain. We use the labour records and other relevant information contained in a newly released database [Muestra Continua de Vidas Laborales (2006)] to construct incentive measures...

The UK's Financial Services Authority sets individual capital requirements that reflect its assessment of risks and that are greater than the 8% minimum required by Basel. This approach is similar to the supervisory review in Pillar II proposed in the new Basel Accord. Using regulatory returns...

This paper offers empirical evidence for the Spanish case on the hypothesis that public ownership may be a determinant of a firm's performance. Two alternative definitions of efficiency are proposed: relative productivity and profitability. The role of ownership is tested, conditioning for the...

This paper provides a first approach to the analysis of the determinants of public balances of regional (Autonomous) governments. These determinants have been divided into economic, political and institutional factors and into those factors specific to lower levels of government (fiscal...

The EU's transposition of Basel II into European law has been done through the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD). Although the Directive establishes, in general, uniform rules to set capital requirements across European countries, there are some areas where the Directive allows some...