Macroeconomics
The area of macroeconomics is represented by Alejandro Cuñat, Monika Merz, Paul Pichler, Michael Reiter and Gerhard Sorger. The research in this area is micro-founded and centers on heterogeneous agent models in different subfields. Monika Merz and Michael Reiter focus on labor markets, Paul Pichler and Gerhard Sorger work on optimal fiscal and monetary policies, while Alejandro Cuñat and Paul Pichler share a common interest in international trade, sovereign debt, and default.
Optimal Fiscal & Monetary Policies
P. Pichler, M. Reiter & G. Sorger
Our research focuses on topics such as the value of commitment ability for policy makers, or the distributional consequences of economic policy. Heterogeneity has become a key determinant of the macroeconomic dynamics in models with financial frictions. At VGSE students are taught how to solve heterogeneous agent models numerically and to bring these models to important policy discussions.
International Macro
A. Cuñat & P. Pichler
At VGSE a research focus is on the intersection of dynamic macroeconomics and international trade. The channels through which trade affects default incentives are explored both empirically and theoretically.
Heterogeneous Agent Models in Macro Labor
M. Merz & M. Reiter
At the intersection of macroeconomics and labor economics, VGSE Research concentrates on the quantitative contribution of particular features of firm dynamics such as entry, exit and variable firm size and age for business cycle dynamics.