This paper estimates the effects of fiscal policy shocks on GDP in the United States with a vector error correction (VEC) model where shocks are identified by exploiting the nonnormal distribution of the model residuals. Unlike previous research, the model used here takes into account cointegation between the variables and identifies fiscal policy shocks without imposing any restrictions. The approach also allows statistical testing of previous identification strategies, which may help discriminate between them and hence also explain differences between various fiscal multiplier estimates. According to the results, a deficit financed government spending shock has a weak negative effect on output, whereas a tax raise to finance government spending has a positive impact on GDP.
JEL Classification: C32, E62
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