This article analyses movements in Japanese stock returns in the recent period (1991-2005). Unlike previous literature, by modelling persistence in both the mean and volatility simultaneously, first, we find evidence of persistence in Japanese stock returns. Second, while not so for daily...

This paper empirically evaluates the validity of the term structure of interest rates in a low interest rate environment using high-frequency Japanese data. Allowing for the time-varying term premium, we obtain evidence that when interest rates are low and the short end of the term structure is...

Using survey expectations data and Markov-switching models, this paper evaluates the characteristics and evolution of investors’ forecast errors about the yen/dollar exchange rate. Since our model is derived from the uncovered interest rate parity (UIRP) condition and our data cover a...

This paper evaluates the forward premium puzzle using the Euro exchange rate. Unlike previous studies, our analysis utilizes time-varying parameter methods and is based on two approaches for evaluation of the puzzle; the traditional approach analyzing the sensitivity of interest rate...

We empirically analyze regional inflation using data from Japan where there is no regulation to impede the free movement of labor, capitals, goods and services across regions. In particular, our analysis will focus on the geographical location of regions and the productivity effect as...

It is often argued that an optimal currency area requires homogeneous regional inflation. However, previous empirical studies point out heterogeneity in sectoral inflation and geographical concentration of industries within a monetary union. It follows that there must be a difference in regional...

This paper analyzes the stationarity of forward premiums in foreign exchange markets. Considering a wide range of countries and contract periods and taking into account cross-sectional correlations and heterogeneities in nonstationary environments, we con�rmed mixed evidence of stationary...