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Working Paper 2008-008A

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"Input and Output Inventory Dynamics"
by Yi Wen

This paper develops an analytically tractable general equilibrium model of inventory dynamics. Inventories are introduced into a standard RBC model through a precautionary stockout-avoidance motive. Under persistent aggregate demand shocks, the model is broadly consistent with the U.S. business cycle and key features of inventory behavior, including (i) a large inventory stock-to-sales ratio and a small inventory investment-to-sales ratio in the long run, (ii) excess volatility of production relative to sales, (iii) procyclical inventory investment but countercyclical stock-to-sales ratio over the business cycle, and (iv) more volatile input inventories than output inventories. Similar results can also be obtained under persistent aggregate supply shocks.

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Category > Monetary Policy/Macroeconomics
Author > Yi Wen