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School of Economics and Finance

No. 841: Non-linear effects of government spending shocks in the US. Evidence from state-level data.

Haroon Mumtaz , Queen Mary University of London
Laura Sunder-Plassmann , University of Copenhagen

November 26, 2017

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Abstract

This paper uses state-level data to estimate the effect of federal defence spending shocks on state real activity. We find moderately strong evidence that for the average state the fiscal multiplier is larger during recessions. However, there is substantial heterogeneity across the cross-section. The degree of non-linearity in the effect of spending shocks is larger in states that are subject to a higher degree of financial frictions and lower labour market rigidity. In contrast states with a prevalence of mining and agricultural industries tend to have multipliers that are more similar across business cycle phases.

J.E.L classification codes: C32, E62, R12

Keywords:Fiscal policy shocks, non-linearity, structural VAR

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