Suchergebnisse

We study how goods- and labor-market frictions affect aggregate labor productivity in China. Combining unique data with a general equilibrium model of internal and international trade, and migration across regions and sectors, we quantify the magnitude and consequences of trade and migration costs. The costs were high in 2000, but declined afterward. The decline accounts for 36 percent of the aggregate labor productivity growth between 2000 and 2005. Reductions in internal trade and migration costs are more important than reductions in external trade costs. Despite the decline, migration costs are still high and potential gains from further reform are large. (JEL E24, F16, J24, P23, P25, R12, R23)

In this article we argue that the evaluation and implementation of Canadian fiscal policy could be significantly improved through the systematic use of information provided by global financial markets. In particular, we show how the information contained in internationally traded asset returns can be used to (1) provide a more meaningful cyclical-adjustment of the budget deficit, (2) assess the sustainability of the public debt, and (3) reduce the risk of the debt becoming unsustainable without having to run excessively large surpluses.

We utilized 185 Chinese survey responses to evaluate the effects of national brand consciousness (NBC) and self–brand connection (SBC) on Chinese consumer preferences. We used linear models, and our analyses established two key effects. First, NBC was positively related to Chinese
consumers' attitudes toward national brands and negatively related to foreign brands. Second, SBC exerted a positive influence on Chinese consumers' attitudes toward both national and foreign brands. Whereas quality judgments moderated their attitude toward national brands, psychological distance
between consumer and brand moderated their attitude toward foreign brands. The relationship between brand attitude and purchase intention was also positive. Finally, we have suggested branding strategies for both Chinese and foreign firms operating in the Chinese market.