Modeling Aggregate Behavior and Fluctuations in Economics: Stochastic Views of Interacting Agents

ISBN-13: 9780521781268 / Angielski / Twarda / 2001 / 280 str.

Masanao Aoki

Opis

This book analyzes how a large but finite number of agents interact, and what sorts of macroeconomic statistical regularities or patterns may evolve from these interactions. By keeping the number of agents finite, the book examines situations such as fluctuations about equilibria, multiple equilibria and asymmetrical cycles of models which are caused by model states stochastically moving from one basin of attraction to another. All of these are not tractable using traditional deterministic modeling approaches. The book also discusses how agents may form clusters with stationary distributions of cluster sizes. These have important applications in analyzing volatilities of asset returns.

Recenzje

'Economists have long taken optimization as first principles in economics. This belief has lead many to the Walrasian or the intertemporal utility maximization model, and has fundamentally changed macroeconomics. Unfortunately, the standard model such as real business cycle theory looks hopelessly unrealistic. It may sound like a paradox that the model which is based on explicit maximization of the representative agent is so unsatisfactory as a macro model. Professor Aoki's book gives us a good answer to this question, and at the same time, provides us with a new methodology in macroeconomics. He convincingly argues that Jump Markov Process is a powerful and fruitful tool in macroeconomics. Professor Aoki explains the method, and also provides examples. The book will be remembered as a landmark.' Hiroshi Yoshikawa, University of Tokyo

Spis treści

1. Overview; 2. Setting up dynamic models; 3. The master equation; 4. Introductory simple and simplified models; 5. Aggregate dynamics and fluctuations of simple models; 6. Evaluation of alternatives; 7. Solving non-stationary master equations; 8. Growth and business cycle models; 9. Example: a new look at the diamond search model; 10. Interaction patterns of agents and distributions of cluster sizes; 11. Example: share markets with two dominant types of participants in a market.