During the second part of the 1990s, the Israeli economy experienced a surge in labor productivity and total factor productivity, which was driven primarily by the manufacturing sector. This surge in productivity coincided with the full absorption and integration into the workforce of highly...

We apply perturbation theory to solve the optimal control problem of an investor with time-additive power utility over intermediate consumption and final wealth. Under general conditions we show existence of a power series representation for the prevailing optimal consumption and investment...

We solve analytically the Merton's problem of an investor with time-additive power utility. For general state dynamics, we prove existence of two power series representations of the relevant optimal policies and value functions, which hold for all admissible risk aversion parameters. We...

We apply perturbation methods to solve in closed form a class of robust control problems, implied by Anderson, Hansen and Sargent setting of a preference for robustness. In the constant investment opportunity set case, we obtain closed form power series solutions for the arising robust Bellman...

Theory predicts that mandated employment protections may reduce productivity by distortingproduction choices. Firms facing (non-Coasean) worker dismissal costs will curtail hiringbelow efficient levels and retain unproductive workers, both of which should affectproductivity. These theoretical...

This paper examines the impact of North-South trade-related technology diffusion on TFP growth in small and large states in the South. The main findings are: i) TFP growth increases with North-South trade-related technology diffusion, with education, and with the interaction between the two, and...

•Since 2000 Italy’s GDP growth has been below the Euro-area average, and total factor productivity growth has been very weak, and at times, negative (OECD, 2005)•The labour market is highly regulated and inflexible.•Italy has experienced high levels of immigration in recent years,...