Frederico G. Jayme

Structural Heterogeneity and Endogeneity of Elasticities on the Balance of Payments Constrained Growth Model

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that, especially in developing countries, changes in the real exchange rate affect both the structure of production and the income elasticities of the demand for imports and exports – and, as a result, the balance-of-payments constraint to growth in the fashion of Thirlwall’s Law. If the latter is weakened, then these countries are able to reach a higher long-term growth rate. Thus, following Dosi, Pavitt e Soete (1990), we show how a devaluation of the real exchange rate affects an economy’s productive heterogeneity, by reducing its real wages. In addition, we demonstrate that the elasticities are endogenous, based on the argument that maintaining an undervalued exchange rate encourages research and innovation. This is due to its positive impact on self-financing conditions and on the access to credit, making it possible to modernise and diversify the structure of production. In the long-term, this implies an expansion of the export capacity and a reduction of the dependence on imports. Furthermore, based on Kaldor and Mirrlees (1962), we present a model that formalises the endogeneity of the elasticities by making them dependent on the average age of the capital stock of the economy. Lastly, we show how the approach suggested in this article is an improvement on the Structural Economic Dynamics (SED) approach, by demonstrating how variations in the real exchange rate alter the sectoral composition of the economy. In the final considerations, we present a series of arguments supporting the hypothesis that elasticities are endogenous to the real exchange rate.

Balance-of-payments constrained growth: a post Keynesian model with capital inflows

This paper proposes a brief theoretical analysis of the relationship between international capital mobility and economic growth, seen in the perspective of demand-led growth. The study presents the central propositions that constitute the so-called demand-led growth perspective. It reviews the balance-of-payments constrained growth model, as originally proposed by Thirlwall (1979), as well as subsequent efforts to incorporate capital flows into this analytical framework. Building on this theoretical structure, a model is proposed in order to study the connections between balance-of-payments constrained growth and capital controls, which is formally introduced as a macroeconomic policy variable.

Restrição externa, nível da taxa real de câmbio e crescimento em um modelo com progresso técnico endógeno

The aim of this paper is to present some considerations about the relationship among exchange rates, external constraints and economic growth in a formal model that considers two regions, one of developed and the other of developing countries, which interact via international trade. It is assumed that the external constraint acts on the developing economy, which is affected by variations in level of the real exchange rate to the extent that changes in these policies affect the functional distribution of income and, therefore, the decisions of the planned spending on business innovation. The findings show that variations in the real exchange rate alter the external constraint in this region and allow it to reach a higher rate of long-term output growth.

Competitividade e restrição externa na Zona do Euro

The recent debt crisis in Greece, Ireland and Portugal has exposed the fragility existing in the Eurozone for promoting development and economic convergence between the countries that have adopted the currency. Way beyond the fear of insolvency, what is observed is a growing disparity of the most-developed countries in comparison to the less-developed ones, with perverse consequences for the last ones. Once the nominal exchange rates are fixed, the divergent movements in relative prices and wages between the countries have led to totally distinct paths for the real exchange rates. Worsening the scenario, one can observe the incompleteness of the political union, the monetarist focus of the ECB and the lack of labor mobility between the countries, what distances from the argument stated by the theory and puts in jeopardize the future of the Monetary Union.

Ciclos econômicos e a composição da pobreza no Brasil: uma análise para as décadas recentes

This work assesses the impact of macroeconomic cycles on poverty composition in the Brazilian economy (1987 – 2005). Specifically, it intends to find answers to three questions: first, who are the demographic groups that are most harmed in the recessive cycles; second, if economic growth in itself sufficient to benefit the groups most associated with poverty; third, which are the macroeconomic policies most associated with poverty and with its alleviation. The study used an interaction of micro data form PNAD with macroeconomic data from sources such as IPEA-DATA, Brazilian Central Bank and Secretariat of the Federal Revenue of Brazil. Using logistical regressions with pooled micro-data banks, the work found two main results. First, recession and economic downturns, are more harmful to people with less schooling. Second, tax policy significantly affects poverty: firstly the primary surplus is associated with lower levels of well-being of the population and, on the other hand, the welfare expenditure of the Union may be used to alleviate poverty during the critical stages of the cycles.

Mobilidade de capitais e crescimento econômico: elementos para uma síntese teórica

Capital mobility and economic growth: towards a theoretical synthesis - This paper aims at exploring theoretically the literature regarding capital flows liberalization and economic growth. Precisely, we intend to analyze the role of capital controls over economic growth. Mainstream literature discard capital controls as an alternative to foster economic growth, although admits, in few situations, temporarily quantitative capital controls to avoid financial crisis. The Keynesian approach to economic growth by means of Kaldorian literature is the key to understanding capital controls as an strategy to warrant growth under balance of payments equilibrium. Conclusions highlight the role of capital controls in helping economic growth.

Managing real exchange rate for economic growth: Empirical evidences from developing countries

Abstract This article analyses macroeconomic policies capable of influencing the long-run real exchange rate (RER). In this vein, it identifies economic policy tools that can devalue RER, covering a theoretical issue neglected by the economic literature, which argues that competitive exchange rate enhances growth. After discussing the “Trilemma,” we identify those variables that could affect RER without constraining monetary policy or exchange rate regime choice. In what follows, we model the probability of achieving an undervalued (small or large) RER for a sample of 14 developing countries from 1980 to 2010 (30 years) by applying econometric techniques for discrete choice and censored data. Afterwards, we compare the results for Latin American nations with Asian ones. They suggest that competitive exchange rate requires different approaches depending on the region. Moreover, Latin American countries need to take on additional policies so that interventions in the foreign exchange market become effective.

Fiscal Policy, Credit Availability and Financing of Regional Policies in Brazil: Has Lula’s Government Changed Anything?

This paper aims at analyzing regional development in Brazil regarding its financial conditions. It departs from the features of the federalism and decentralization in Brazil, as well as the state and local expenditures. We intends to investigate the role of the federalism and decentralization after the recentralization of taxes and budget in Brazilian economy. Conclusions highlight the importance of financial sector as one of the influential aspects of regional imbalances in Brazil.