We study the relationship between the change in the cyclically-adjusted primary balance (an indicator of discretionary fiscal policy) and the change in the output gap (an indicator of cyclical conditions). We use panel data for the euro area and data for 20 individual OECD countries, for the...

New Caledonia has a structural trade deficit. Public transfers from the French State amount to a large part of credits in the current account balance. The local currency, the franc XPF, has had a fixed parity against the euro since 1999. In prospect of independence, which would imply a loss (or...