I would like to thank my family, in particular my parents, Gisela and Peter, and my sister, Isadora, for their support and love that have allowed me the structure to complete the master's program and all other educational endeavors. Their encouragement, specially in the most difficult periods, were fundamental for this process.I would also like to thank my girlfriend, Júlia, whose company, love and support have made all challenges easier and these two years together memorable.I am grateful for the guidance, insights and discussions that my advisors, Márcio and Carlos, promoted throughout this project. Their example and curiosity, which increased my interests in research and further studies, were indispensable for me to produce this dissertation and enjoy this long process.I am also grateful for my colleagues and the great moments we shared together, that made this journey a happier one.I would like to thank all the professors and staff of PUC's economics department, as well as all other employees in PUC that allow for a great academic environment.This study was partially financed by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento Pessoal de Nível Superior -Brasil (CAPES) -Código de Financiamento 001. Financial support from PUC -Rio is also greatly acknowledged.