Introductory Lecture -- Housing in DSGE Models: Findings and New Directions -- Housing and the Business Cycles -- Housing and the Macroeconomy: The Italian Case -- Cyclical Relationships Between GDP and Housing Market in France: Facts and Factors at Play -- Does Housing Really Lead the Business...

Rainy Day Funds (RDFs) have an important role in the USA. They allow States - which usually have rules requiring a balanced budget for current revenue and spending - to limit pro-cyclical fiscal policies. This paper examines the possible role of RDFs in the European fiscal framework. The...