We estimate a Markow-switching dynamic factor model with three states based on six leading business cycle indicators for Germany preselected from a broader set using the Elastic Net soft-thresholding rule. The three states represent expansions, normal recessions and severe recessions. We show...

Die Konjunktur in Deutschland hat sich seit Beginn des Jahres 2018 deutlich abgeschwächt. Aktuell deu-ten die Frühindikatoren darauf hin, dass sich diese Entwicklung in der zweiten Jahreshälfte fortsetzen wird. Vor diesem Hintergrund stellt sich die Frage, ob sich die deutsche Wirtschaft...

We propose a simple modification of Hamilton’s (2018) time series filter that yields reliable and economically meaningful real-time output gap estimates. The original filter relies on 8 quarter ahead forecast errors of a simple autoregression of real GDP. While this approach yields a cyclical...

Global growth has slowed down recently. While the world economy should gradually regain pace over the coming quarters, overall growth momentum is expected to remain subdued. The recent drop in oil prices has not improved the outlook as it to a substantial degree signals weaker demand;...

Following a weak start into 2015, the global economy is expected to pick up again in the course of this year. Average annual world output growth will nevertheless remain sluggish at 3.4 percent on a purchasing power parity weighted basis, before accelerating modestly to 3.8 percent next year....

Over the last decades, hours worked per capita have declined substantially in many OECD economies. Using the standard neoclassical growth model with endogenous work-leisure choice, we assess the role of trend growth slowdown in accounting for the decline in hours worked. In the model, a...

Over the last decades, hours worked per capita have declined substantially in many OECD economies. Using a neoclassical growth model with endogenous work-leisure choice, we assess the role of trend growth slowdown in accounting for the decline in hours worked. In the model, a permanent reduction...