Purchasing power parity with flexible Fourier stationary test for Central and Eastern European countries

Abstract

This study applies stationary test with a Fourier function proposed by Enders and Lee (2004, 2009) to test the validity of long-run Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) to assess the nonstationary properties of the Real Exchange Rate (RER) for seven Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). We find that our approximation has higher power to detect U-shaped breaks and smooth breaks than linear method if the true data generating process of exchange rate is in fact a stationary nonlinear process. We examine the validity of PPP from the nonlinear point of view and provide robust evidence clearly indicating that the PPP holds true for all CEECs. Our findings point out their exchange rate adjustment is mean reversion towards PPP equilibrium values in a nonlinear way.

Keywords:

• Fourier stationary test
• structural change
• trend breaks
• purchasing power parity

JEL Classification:

• C22
• F31