Comparative Properties of Models of the UK Economy

Abstract

This article analyses the properties of five major macroeconometric models of the UK economy in the light of the current debate over the setting of monetary and fiscal policy instruments. The broad objectives of current policy—sound public finances and low inflation—are reflected in a common operating environment for the models, with feedback rules for income tax and interest rates. Five standard simulation experiments demonstrate the consequences of these policy choices. The models disagree on several implications of this new policy framework, a critical parameter being the speed with which financial imbalances are rectified and inflation targets are met.