Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2010
Abstract
Some have argued that the endogenous responses to the formation of a currency area are so strong that one need not worry about optimum currency area conditions ex ante. We argue that this is much too strong a conclusion. We draw on a number of recent studies to evaluate the endogeneity experiences of the eurozone in three major areas; trade flows, business cycle synchronisation and structural reforms to improve labour and product market flexibility. Simple before-and-after comparisons are insufficient for analysis of endogeneity. The experiences of non-euro Western European economies suggest that broader trends also had considerable influence on trade and business cycle patterns. While trade rose substantially within the eurozone, it also rose with and among other European economies. We argue that political economy considerations tend to dampen the magnitude of endogeneity efforts on structural reforms and that meeting conditions for entry may be a more powerful mechanism in this than are subsequent endogenous responses. We also discuss a number of areas for further research.
Recommended Citation
Willett, T. D., Permpoon, O. and Wihlborg, C. (2010), Endogenous OCA Analysis and the Early Euro Experience. World Economy, 33: 851–872. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9701.2010.01268.x
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
Wiley
Included in
International Business Commons, International Economics Commons, Other Economics Commons
Comments
This is the accepted version of the following article:
Willett, T. D., Permpoon, O. and Wihlborg, C. (2010), Endogenous OCA Analysis and the Early Euro Experience. World Economy, 33: 851–872. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9701.2010.01268.x
which has been published in final form at DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9701.2010.01268.x. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.