Question: Explosive paths in the Samuelson overlapping-generations model. (Black, 1974; Brock, 1975; Calvo, 1978.) Consider the setup described in Problem 2.19. Assume that x is zero,
Explosive paths in the Samuelson overlapping-generations model. (Black, 1974; Brock, 1975; Calvo, 1978.) Consider the setup described in Problem 2.19.
Assume that x is zero, and assume that utility is constant-relative-risk-aversion with θ < 1 rather than logarithmic. Finally, assume for simplicity that n = 0.
(a) What is the behavior of an individual born at t as a function of Pt/Pt +1?
Show that the amount of his or her endowment that the individual sells for money is an increasing function of Pt/Pt +1 and approaches zero as this ratio approaches zero.
(b) Suppose P0/P1 < 1. How much of the good are the individuals born in period 0 planning to buy in period 1 from the individuals born then? What must P1/P2 be for the individuals born in period 1 to want to supply this amount?
(c) Iterating this reasoning forward, what is the qualitative behavior of Pt/Pt +1 over time? Does this represent an equilibrium path for the economy?
(d) Can there be an equilibrium path with P0/P1 > 1?
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