AbstractIn this paper, a critical comparison is made of the arguments within the controversy over the effects of “wage restraint”. The arguments are discussed in the framework of a portfolio theoretical macroeconomic model. Thus, not only is the market for real capital considered, but the importance of intra- vs. interindustrial trade for the results is established. In principle, the optimistic predictions of the German Council of Economic Experts (“Sachverständigenrat”) are confirmed, although they have been generalized and linked to certain preconditions. Finally, there is a supplementary finding: Tobin’s q seems to be more than a match for all the other propositions (such as, “the ability to sell”, the real exchange rate on the basis of unit labour costs, etc.) as an indicator of the competitiveness of national economies.
Apparent exchange rate imaging: On its applicability and the connection to the real exchange rate