Discrepancies Between Quarterly GDP Estimates

Author/Editor:

Adriaan M. Bloem

Publication Date:

September 1, 1997

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Countries compiling quarterly estimates for gross domestic product (GDP) often use alternative approaches simultaneously. This may result in the publication of different measures of quarterly GDP and discrepancies between these measures. Such discrepancies are unavoidable, unless reconciliation takes place or the measures are mutually interdependent. This paper examines international practices in this respect, focusing on OECD member countries that publish quarterly GDP data. Of these, five publish GDP data with discrepancies—the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—and the paper examines causes and the development of these discrepancies.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1997/123

Subject:

Expenditure GDP measurement Income National accounts Personal income

English

Publication Date:

September 1, 1997

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451854572/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1231997

Pages:

39

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