Most macroeconomic models are based on the assumption of a single homogeneous consumption good. In the present paper we consider a model with two goods: a basic good and a luxury good. We then apply this assumption to a standard general equilibrium heterogeneous agent model. We find a substantial reduction in precautionary savings compared to a standard model. The effect on wealth inequality turns out to be ambiguous and to depend on the size of the assumed earnings risk.

Luxury consumption, precautionary savings and wealth inequality

Campanale, Claudio Giovanni
2018-01-01

Abstract

Most macroeconomic models are based on the assumption of a single homogeneous consumption good. In the present paper we consider a model with two goods: a basic good and a luxury good. We then apply this assumption to a standard general equilibrium heterogeneous agent model. We find a substantial reduction in precautionary savings compared to a standard model. The effect on wealth inequality turns out to be ambiguous and to depend on the size of the assumed earnings risk.
2018
18
1
1
15
https://www.degruyter.com/downloadpdf/j/bejm.ahead-of-print/bejm-2015-0196/bejm-2015-0196.pdf
luxury consumption, non-homothetic utility, precautionary savings, wealth inequality
Campanale, Claudio Giovanni
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1652669
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