Publication:
The term structure of interest rates in Australia: an application of long run structural modelling
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Date
2005
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Abstract
The term structure of interest rates in Australia, using data of different types as well as frequencies covering the period 1991(11) to 2000(9) is investigated using a relatively new modelling strategy previously untested on Australian interest rate data. Developed by Pesaran and Shin (2002 Pesaran,MH and Shin,Y. 2002. "Long-run structural modeling." Econometric Reviews, 21:49-87.), this strategy incorporates long-run structural relationships in an otherwise unrestricted vector auto regression model (VAR). The econometric tests indicate that in Australia, contrary to popular belief, long-term interest rates more often than not lead shorter-term interest rates, at least for the interest rates and time period under investigation. While these findings are not conclusive, if they are an accurate representation of interest rate behaviour, this does pose a major challenge for the monetary policy in Australia. The findings are consistent with the recent experience of the USA as well (Sarno and Thornton, 2003 Sarno,L and Thornton, DL. 2003. "The dynamic relationship between the federal funds rate and the treasury bill rate: an empirical investigation." Journal of Banking and Finance, 27(6):1079-110.). The findings of the study based on recent rigorous time-series techniques tend to cast doubts on the efficiency and effectiveness of current monetary policy in Australia.
Keywords
Interest rates , Australia , Long run structural modelling
Citation
Mohammed Masih, A. M., & Ryan, V. (2005) The term structure of interest rates in Australia: an application of long run structural modelling. Applied Financial Economics, 15(8), 557-573. https://doi.org/10.1080/09603100500056742
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group Ltd