Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/191504 
Year of Publication: 
2017
Series/Report no.: 
IRENE Working Paper No. 17-09
Publisher: 
University of Neuchâtel, Institute of Economic Research (IRENE), Neuchâtel
Abstract: 
Measurement error in historical data distorts descriptive analyses based on binary classifications. Modern replications of deficiencies in retrospective CPI estimates for the 19th century show that measurement issues cause misclassification of inflationary and deflationary episodes. We therefore underestimate the shortfall in real activity during deflation. Using various approaches to control for measurement error in 19th century US CPI data, a series of stylized facts emerge: (i) Real activity was on average substantially lower during deflations; (ii) CPI deflations were associated with at least as severe shortfalls in real activity as equity price declines and banking crises; (iii) Only severe deflations were associated with declines in real activity; (iv) Transitory and persistent deflations, as well as, monetary and nonmonetary deflations were equally associated with lower GDP growth.
Subjects: 
Deflation
real activity
monetary history
measurement error
binary regressors
misclassification bias
bounds
GMM
JEL: 
E31
E32
N11
C2
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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