A model of segmented asset markets is developed, in which varieties of consumption bundles are purchased sequentially. By this, a non-degenerate heterogeneity in wealth and the effective elasticity of substitution across households arises, affecting optimal markups chosen by firms. Furthermore,...

I use a simple computer simulation model to gain insights on the nature of wealth inequality. Two testable predictions come out of the simulations: economies with higher tax rates and lower volatility should have lower inequality levels, all else constant. Another important feature of the model...

The paper analyzes the relation between growth and income inequality in the US during the post-war years (1953–2008). We show that the income of the top income groups is more sensitive to growth, defined broadly as current growth and changes in expectations of future growth, compared to the...

This Editorial evaluates 14 invaluable and interesting articles in the Special Issue "Applied Econometrics" for the Journal of Risk and Financial Management (JRFM). The topics covered include recovering historical inflation data from postage stamps prices, FHA loans in foreclosure proceedings...

This paper provides a brief and selective overview of research on the links between macroeconomic policies and poverty reduction. Using the Human Development Index as a measure of well-being, the progress made by 100 countries during 1975–98 is presented, and its association with macroeconomic...

Inequality is on the rise: gains have been concentrated with a small elite, while most have seen their fortunes stagnate or fall. Despite what scholars and journalists consider a worrying trend, there is no evidence of growing popular concern about inequality. In fact, research suggests that...