Volume 12, Issue 1 March 2016

Measuring potential growth with an estimated DSGE model of Japan's economy

Abstract

In this paper, we calculate the potential output and the output gap using a Bayesian-estimated DSGE model of Japan's economy. For bridging the gap with conventional measures, we define our measure of potential output as a component of the efficient output generated only by persistent growth rate shocks. Our potential growth displays a high degree of smoothness and moves closely with conventional measures. Moreover, the output gap from our measure of potential output shows better forecasting performance for inflation-in particular, at short horizons-than other measures of output gap.

Authors

  • Takuji Fueki
  • Ichiro Fukunaga
  • Hibiki Ichiue
  • Toyoichiro Shirota

JEL codes

  • E32
  • E37
  • O41
  • O47