New Keynesian Theory

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Question 4(a) “Classical and new classical firms choose output, but new Keynesian firms choose price.” Explain. For the classical and new classical model, there is perfect competition in the market. Prices are perfectly flexible and set by the forces of supply and demand. Individual firms are relative small to the market and have no power over their product price. Therefore, each individual firm faces horizontal demand schedule. At a given market-clearing price level, P*, optimizing firms will choose the output level at Q*, making the firms as price takers. For the New Keynesian model, there is imperfect competition in the market. Firms (e.g. monopolistic/oligopolistic) have some power in determining aggregate price level, causing product price rigidity. Each individual firm will face a downward sloping demand curves for its product. Optimizing firms choose the price level at a given optimal level of output, where MR=MC. Therefore, firms are price makers in New Keynesian model. Question 4(b) What are the similarities and differences between the new Keynesian model and the new classical and real business cycle model? The new Keynesian model, new classical and the real business cycle models adopt rational expectation where the economic agents are forward looking and with optimizing behaviour. In terms of economic stability, the economy in new Keynesian model is inherently unstable at less than full employment. Economy in both the new classical and real business cycle models is stable in the long run at full employment. In new Keynesian model, there is always involuntary unemployment reinforced by the efficiency wage model. On the other hand, employment in both the new classical and real business cycle model is voluntary. In terms of market, there is imperfect competition in new Keynesian model and the markets do not clear due to the product price rigidity.

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