A Two-Sector Overlapping-Generations Model: A Global Characterization of the Dynamical System

This paper develops a two-sector overlapping-generations model. It characterizes the dynamical system globally and establishes sufficient conditions for the existence of a globally unique perfect-foresight equilibrium. It provides, therefore, a useful framework for global dynamic analysis of phenomena whose modeling requires a multidimensional commodity space. The analysis demonstrates that gross substitutability in consumption is not sufficient for the determinacy of equilibrium in this production economy. However, if in addition the investment good is capital intensive and second period consumption of two-period-lived individuals is a normal good, then the perfect-foresight equilibrium is globally unique. Copyright 1992 by The Econometric Society.

[1]  Costas Azariadis,et al.  Self-fulfilling prophecies , 1981 .

[2]  D. Levine,et al.  Intertemporal Separability in Overlapping Generations Models , 1982 .

[3]  Karl Shell,et al.  Do Sunspots Matter? , 1983, Journal of Political Economy.

[4]  P. Holmes,et al.  Nonlinear Oscillations, Dynamical Systems, and Bifurcations of Vector Fields , 1983, Applied Mathematical Sciences.

[5]  M. Boldrin Paths of Optimal Accumulation in Two-Sector Models , 1988 .

[6]  David K. Levine,et al.  Gross substitutability in large-square economies , 1991 .

[7]  H. Uzawa,et al.  On a Two-Sector Model of Economic Growth: A Comparative Statics Analysis , 1961 .

[8]  Kazuo Nishimura,et al.  Competitive equilibrium cycles , 1985 .

[9]  M. Woodford,et al.  Determinacy of equilibrium in stationary economies with both finite and infinite lived consumers , 1988 .

[10]  D. Gale Pure Exchange Equilibrium of Dynamic Economic Models. , 1973 .

[11]  Oded Galor,et al.  Existence, uniqueness, and stability of equilibrium in an overlapping-generations model with productive capital , 1989 .

[12]  G. Calvo On the indeterminacy of interest rates and wages with perfect foresight , 1978 .

[13]  Jean-Michel Grandmont,et al.  On Endogenous Competitive Business Cycles , 1985, Cycles and Chaos in Economic Equilibrium.

[14]  Karl Shell,et al.  The overlapping-generations model. III. The case of log-linear utility functions☆ , 1981 .

[15]  J. Geanakoplos,et al.  Intertemporally Separable Overlapping Generations Economies , 1984 .

[16]  P. Hartman Ordinary Differential Equations , 1965 .

[17]  H. Uzawa,et al.  Patterns of Trade and Investment in a Dynamic Model of International Trade , 1965 .

[18]  P. Reichlin Endogenous Fluctuations in a Two-Sector Overlapping Generations Economy , 1987 .

[19]  Ronald W. Jones,et al.  The Structure of Simple General Equilibrium Models , 1965, Journal of Political Economy.