Current account sustainability and relative reliability
By: Stephanie E. Curcuru, Charles P. Thomas, and Francis E. Warnock.
Contributors: Thomas, Charles P.; Warnock, Francis E.
Series: International finance discussion papers -- no. 947; International finance discussion papers (Online) -- no. 947.
Publisher: Federal Reserve Board
Published: 2008
Place of publication: Washington, D.C
Language: eng
Format: Electronic resource
Description: "The sustainability of the large and persistent U.S.  current account deficits is one of the biggest issues currently being confronted by international macroeconomists.  Some very plausible theories suggest that the substantial global imbalances can continue in a benign manner, other equally plausible theories predict a disorderly resolution, and in general it is very difficult to discern between competing theories.  To inform the debates, we view competing theories through the perspective of the relative reliability of the data the theories rely on.  Our analysis of the dark matter theory is cursory; from a relative reliability perspective, it fails as it is built on the assumption that an item that is largely unmeasured is the most accurate component of the entire set of international accounts.  Similarly, the best data currently available suggest that U.S.  returns differentials are much smaller than implied by the exorbitant privilege theory.  Our analysis opens up questions about potential inconsistencies in the international accounts, which we address by providing rough estimates of various holes in the accounts"--Federal Reserve Board web site.
Notes: Title from PDF file as viewed on 6/18/2009.

Includes bibliographical references.

Also available in print.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.