International Real Business Cycles

Abstract

This paper is a non-technical review of research developments in the international real business cycle literature. International business cycle facts are summarize with particular attention to the sources of output variance from the expenditure side of the NIPA and the production side, using a familiar neoclassical production function. Theoretical developments focus on the how consumption smoothing and investment dynamics shape the current account; the search for sources and propagation mechanisms of international business cycle comovement and key facets of relative price determination (the real exchange rate and the terms of trade).