1 Rensselaer Working Papers in Economics

improved method for assessing the meaning of the regression coefficient on the exchange rate variable in consumption and investment functions, removing ambiguity as to whether they should be interpreted as income or substitution effects. The paper attempts econometrically, using a seven behavioral equation model, to determine the total impact during 2000-2008 of the U.S. real exchange rate‟s 13.8 % decline. Using projections based on an econometric model of the U.S. economy 1960 – 2000, the paper suggests that the effect on demand for domestically produced consumer goods (and exports) is positive, but strongly negative for investment goods. The estimated overall negative effect of declining real exchange rates on the GDP is 1.9 % over the eight years, or about a quarter percent decline a year. This revised estimate is less than half the estimated impact reported Working Paper 803. It is estimated the decline reduced the trade deficit $189 billion from what it otherwise would have been, down from $244 billio