333 research outputs found
Retirement Choices in Italy:What an Option Value Model Tells Us
Full text link<p>Using Italian data, we estimate an option value model to quantify the effect of financial incentives on retirement choices. As far as we know, this is the first empirical study to estimate the conditional multiple-years model put forward by Stock and Wise (1990). This implies that we account for dynamic self-selection bias. We also present an extended version of this model in which the marginal value of leisure is random. For the female sample, the model is able to predict almost perfectly the age-specific hazard rates. For the male sample, we obtain a good fit. Dynamic self-selection results in a downward bias in the estimate of the marginal utility of leisure. We perform a simulation study to gauge the effects of a dramatic pension reform. Underestimation of the value of leisure translates into sizeable over-prediction of the impact of reform. Due to lack of data, results for males should be interpreted with caution since we are not able to fully correct for dynamic self-selection bias.</p>
Saving and Habit Formation: Evidence from Dutch Panel Data
Full text linkThis paper focuses on the role of habit formation in individual preferences over consumption and saving.We closely relate to Alessie and Lusardi's (1997) model as we estimate a model which is based on their closed-form solution, where saving is expressed as a function of lagged saving and other regressors. Alternatively, we could use an Euler-equation approach (see e.g.Guariglia and Rossi (2001) and Dynan (2000)), but we will argue that this approach may yield spuriously negative estimates of the habit formation parameter because in surveys consumption is typically measured with considerable error.A second reason to use the closed form solution as a basis of the empirical model is that it embodies more information about the habit formation model than the Euler equation.Therefore, the closed form solution allows for a more powerful test of the validity of the habit formation model than the Euler equation approach.preferences;savings;incomes;habit formation
Home and Mortgage Ownership of the Dutch Elderly: Explaining Cohort, Time and Age Effects
Full text linkThe relationship between home ownership of Dutch elderly households and age is strongly negative. Other studies suggest that this age gradient should be attributed to a cohort effect. In this paper we investigate where those cohort effects come from. We also observe that mortgage ownership among elderly home-owners increased considerably during the nineties. Using panel data we estimate models explaining home and mortgage ownership by age, cohort, and time effects, as well as other factors. Cohort and time effects are modelled explicitly using macro economic and housing market related variables. We find that the level of GDP per capita when the household head was young is the main factor explaining generation effects in home ownership among the elderly. After accounting for cohort effects it also appears that home ownership decreases slightly with age. Mortgage ownership among elderly home owners rose considerably during the nineties due to house price increases and due to financial innovation in the mortgage market. Cohort effects are also important. A supplementary analysis suggests that those cohort effects are due to the fact that the accidental bequest motive is becoming less important.home ownership, mortgages, cohort effects
Saving and Habit Formation: Evidence from Dutch Panel Data
Full text linkThis paper focuses on the role of habit formation in individual preferencesover consumption and saving. We closely relate to Alessie and Lusardi's(1997) model as we estimate a model which is based on their closed-formsolution, where saving is expressed as a function of lagged saving and otherregressors. Alternatively, we could use an Euler-equation approach (see e.g.Guariglia and Rossi (2001) and Dynan (2000)), but we will argue that thisapproach may yield spuriously negative estimates of the habit formationparameter because in surveys consumption is typically measured withconsiderable error. A second reason to use the closed form solution as abasis of the empirical model is that it embodies more information about thehabit \ formation model than the Euler equation. Therefore, the closed formsolution allows for a more powerful test of the validity of the habitformation model than the Euler equation approach
The problem of not observing small expenditures in a consumer expenditure survey
Full text linkEconomics
Premium Differentiation in the Unemployment Insurance System and the Demand for Labor
Full text linkIn this study we investigate the effect of the introduction of premium differentiation (experience rating) in the Dutch Unemployment Insurance system on the demand for labor. We formulate a model of labor demand, based on the model by Bentolila and Bertola (1990), in which we distinguish two types of workers: the "young" and the "old". This distinction is made, as one of the major motives for opening the discussion around premium differentiation in the Netherlands is the wish to reduce the inflow of older workers into unemployment. In the model, labor adjustment costs (hiring and firing costs) are linear. The model allows for uncertainty in the business cycle. Premium differentiation is incorporated in the model as a rise in firing costs, accompanied by a decrease in unemployment insurance premium payments. Values for the model parameters are determined to quantify the effect of premium differentiation on the demand for labor in various sectors of the Dutch economy. We compute the effect of premium differentiation on the steady state level of labor demand. We also compute the effect of premium differentiation on the level of profits.Unemployment Insurance;premium differentiation;labor demand
Household portfolio allocation in the Netherlands: Saving accounts versus stocks and bonds
Full text linkThis paper analyzes the portfolio structure of households in the Netherlands. It considers the allocation of financial wealth to two major asset categories, namely saving accounts on the one hand and stocks and bonds on the other hand. The latter category is considered to be more risky than the former. We analyze the impact of the overall level of wealth, the marginal tax rate, and other variables on the allocation between assets, using cross-section data drawn in 1988 that provide detailed information on the structure of household wealth, not only on ownership but also on the amounts of wealth held in the respective asset categories. The econometric specification is a trivariate tobit type model. One equation explains the total level of wealth, a second one explains individual threshold values below which no wealth is held. The third equation explains the share of wealth invested in stocks and bonds. The model is estimated using Full Information Maximum Likelihood. Limited information provided by the data (non reporting) is explicitly taken into account. Results show that wealth and the marginal tax rate are major determinants of the allocation between safe and risky assets.Portfolio Investment;Bonds;Household Economics;Savings;Stocks;microeconomics
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