ON THE TERM STRUCTURE OF INTEREST-RATES

This paper tests the one good stochastic growth model with respect to its ability to explain the term structure of real interest rates. We undertake both a qualitative and quantitative analysis. First we assess the changing shape of the yield curve over the model economy's 'business cycle' and compare our results with what is empirically observed. Second, we employ the model to study various implications of informational and allocative efficiency, properties which the artificial economy must possess. It is found, for example, that long-term rates are less volatile than short-term rates and that holding premia can be highly correlated over time. Third, we study the time-varying risk premium implicit in the economy's forward rate structure. A purely quantitative assessment of the model's explanatory power is also provided. © 1990.