This paper develops a stylized supply-demand model for a mineral / nonrenewable commodity. It embodies important distinctions between short-run and long-run mineral supply and the derived demand for minerals as intermediate goods in production sectors with differing intensities of use. This...

This paper uses the band-pass filter approach of Cuddington and Jerrett (2008) to (i) study longterm trends in crude oil and coal prices and (ii) to search for evidence of super cycles in these energy commodity prices. Although Cuddington and Jerrett found evidence of super cycles in metals...

'Natural Resources: Neither Course nor Destiny' brings together a variety of analytical perspectives, ranging from econometric analyses of economic growth to historical studies of successful development experiences in countries with abundant natural resources. The evidence suggests that natural...

This note argues that many employees under-contribute to so-called flexible spending accounts. A simple rule-of-thumb is developed for making optimal contributions (for risk neutral employees): After-tax income net of (uncertain) medical expenditures will be maximized if you contribute to your...