Alex Chernoff - Latest

• Potential output in Canada: 2025 assessment

  Staff Analytical Note 2025-14 Selam Abraham, Dany Brouillette, Alex Chernoff, Christopher Hajzler, Stéphanie Houle, Mark Kim, Temel Taskin

  We explore two scenarios for potential output growth to gain insights into the economic consequences associated with different possible trade policies. Scenario 1 includes limited US tariffs on Canadian exports. Scenario 2 adds a permanent, broad-based 25% increase in US tariffs on imports from all countries excluding Canada and Mexico.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff analytical notes Research Topic(s): Economic models, Labour markets, Monetary policy, Potential output, Productivity JEL Code(s): E, E2, E3, E4, E5

• Markups, Pass-Through, and Firm Heterogeneity with Sequentially Mixed Search

  Staff Working Paper 2025-7 Alex Chernoff, Allen Head, Beverly Lapham

  Market power and pass-through of cost and demand shocks are studied in a market with free entry of heterogeneous firms and consumer mixed search. Equilibrium prices and markups are driven by variation in the elasticity of demand across firms. Improved conditions for buyers can either raise or lower market power.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers Research Topic(s): Inflation and prices, Service sector JEL Code(s): D, D2, D21, D4, D43, E, E3, E31, L, L1, L11

• Consumer Search, Productivity Heterogeneity, Prices, Markups, and Pass-through: Theory and Estimation

  Staff Working Paper 2024-50 Alex Chernoff, Allen Head, Beverly Lapham

  We develop and estimate a search model in which identical consumers trade with price-setting firms that differ in productivity. We use the estimated model to characterize the qualitative and quantitative differences in prices and markups across firms. We explore how individual firms respond to changes in cost and demand and how they pass these through to their prices and markup.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers Research Topic(s): Inflation and prices, Service sector JEL Code(s): E, E3, E31, L, L1, L16

• An Overview of the Indigenous Economy in Canada

  Staff Discussion Paper 2023-25 Alex Chernoff, Calista Cheung

  Several measures suggest economic outcomes have improved for Indigenous Peoples in recent decades. Yet, institutional settings and gaps in infrastructure and financing continue to hinder their economic progress. Recent efforts have helped address some data gaps, and new institutions are helping Indigenous communities to overcome historic barriers to growth.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff discussion papers Research Topic(s): Central bank research, Development economics, Financial services, Labour markets, Monetary policy transmission, Regional economic developments JEL Code(s): E, E0, E01, E02, N, N4, N41, N42, O, O4, O43, P, P4, P48

• Digitalization: Labour Markets

  Staff Discussion Paper 2023-16 Alex Chernoff, Gabriela Galassi

  In this paper, the authors assess the relationship between digitalization and labour demand and supply, and how this relationship affects wages and income inequality. We also explore implications of recent digitalization trends for the future of work.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff discussion papers Research Topic(s): Digitalization, Labour markets JEL Code(s): I, I2, I23, J, J2, J23, J24, O, O3, O33

• COVID-19 and Implications for Automation

  Staff Working Paper 2021-25 Alex Chernoff, Casey Warman

  Occupations held by females with mid-level education face the highest risk of accelerated automation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers Research Topic(s): Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), International topics, Labour markets JEL Code(s): I, I1, I14, I2, I24, J, J1, J15, J16, R, R1, R12

• Amazon Effects in Canadian Online Retail Firm-Product-Level Data

  Staff Working Paper 2019-42 Alex Chernoff

  I use firm-product-level data for Canadian online retailers to study how product scope (the average number of product categories per firm) evolved from 1999 to 2012. During this period, product scope dropped monotonically from 59 to 5 product categories.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers Research Topic(s): Firm dynamics, Service sector JEL Code(s): D, D2, D22, L, L1, L11, L8, L81

• Exchange Rates, Retailers, and Importing: Theory and Firm-Level Evidence

  Staff Working Paper 2019-34 Alex Chernoff, Patrick Alexander

  We develop a model with firm heterogeneity in importing and cross-border shopping among consumers. Exchange-rate appreciations lower the cost of imported goods, but also lead to more cross-border shopping; hence, the net impact on aggregate retail prices and sales is ambiguous.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers Research Topic(s): Exchange rates, International topics, Service sector JEL Code(s): F, F1, F10, F14, L, L8, L81

• Local Labor Markets in Canada and the United States

  Staff Working Paper 2019-12 David Albouy, Alex Chernoff, Chandler Lutz, Casey Warman

  We examine local labor markets in the United States and Canada from 1990 to 2011 using comparable household and business data. Wage levels and inequality rise with city population in both countries, albeit less in Canada.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers Research Topic(s): Labour markets JEL Code(s): J, J2, J21, J3, J31, J6, J61, N, N3, N32, R, R1, R12
• September 28, 2018

  The benefits of freer trade

  

  Stephen Murchison, Alex Chernoff

  Freer trade lowers prices and boosts economies, yet not everyone benefits equally. Fair policies are essential for balanced growth and widespread prosperity.

  Content Type(s): Publications, The Economy, Plain and Simple Research Topic(s): Balance of payments and components, Development economics, International topics, Recent economic and financial developments, Trade integration