An analysis of the services inflation persistence puzzle in Brazil

Abstract

This article analyzes the so-called Services Inflation Persistence Puzzle in Brazil, for the period ranging from August 1999 to February 2017. As a benchmark, we also analyze the Brazilian Consumer Inflation (IPCA), non-durable, semi-durable and durable goods, as well as some items disaggregated from the basket of services. Structural break tests and ARFIMA models are used. Results show that, initially, services inflation persistence is higher than that found in goods inflation and IPCA. However, after structural breaks are accounted for, services inflation seems to be anti-persistent and stationary, indicating the existence of the Services Inflation Persistence Puzzle in Brazil. The same behavior applies to the main components of the service basket.

Keywords
services inflation; inflation persistence; ARFIMA models