ANALYSIS OF INFLATION IN BOLIVIA. AN APPROACH WITH MODELS WITH CHANGE OF REGIME WITH TWO STATES

Abstract

<strong>Abstract:</strong> This document analyzes the evolution of the interannual inflation rate in Bolivia with two states during the period 1998:01 to 2017:04 and presents evidence that periods of low inflation predominate in it. In addition, the time horizon under study is interesting, since it involves periods of high and low inflation and for this purpose the Markovian models are used: Switching Markov Regression of order 2 [MSARX (2)], including as explanatory variables autoregressive parameters, the inclusion of the depreciation rate, the money supply and the year-on-year inflation rate of the external price index. The results show that periods of low inflation predominate more throughout the sample. Thus, for example, the probability that low inflation is followed by low inflation in the following quarter is: 0.969, in turn, the probability that high inflation is followed by high inflation in the following quarter is: 0.766. Another important finding is the estimated persistence in the interannual inflation rate in Bolivia, it is of the order 0.13619, which implies a low persistence in inflation. This implies that the shocks in it dissipate quickly, thus confirming the price stability that our country has experienced for decades.