Regional inflation dynamics using space–time models

TitleRegional inflation dynamics using space–time models
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsMarques, H, Pino, G, Tena, JD
JournalEmpirical Economics
Volume47
Issue3
Pagination1147–1172
Abstract

This article provides empirical evidence of the role of spatial factors on the determination of inflation dynamics for a representative set of tradable commodities in Chile. We present a simple model that explains inflation divergence across regions in a monetary union with similar preferences as a consequence of the geographical allocation of producers in the different regions. Our results indicate that spatial allocation together with transport costs are important determinants of regional inflation, while macroeconomic common factors do not play an important role in this process. Existing literature had obtained the opposite result for Europe, and the reasons for this difference warrant further investigation. Moreover, we find that geographical distance seems to be a more appropriate measure of neighbourhood than the adjacency of regions. Our results are robust to different specifications, regression methods and product groupings.

URLhttp://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00181-013-0763-9
DOI10.1007/s00181-013-0763-9
Keywordschile, common factors, regional inflation dynamics, space–time models