1980 Reports

Energy and Growth Under Flexible Exchange Rates: A Simulation Study

Sachs, Jeffrey D.

This paper offers a theoretical framework for studying the interactions of energy prices and economic growth. The incorporation of energy prices and quantities in a macroeconomic setting focuses on (1) the aggregate technology; (2) the interdependence of energy producers and consumers in the world economy; and (3) the asset markets as the channel through which energy price changes affect output and capital accumulation. While several existing studies consider aspects of these issues, none provides a synthesis. In this analysis, a theoretically sound model of an oil price increase in the world economy is presented, carefully treating topics (1) - (3). The model is solved with computer simulation, as it is far too complex to yield analytical solutions.