This paper explores the consequences of introducing a
monopolistic competition in an intertemporal two-sector small open
economy model which produces traded and non traded goods. It is
assumed that the non traded sector is the locus of the imperfectly
competition. Our analysis shows that markup depends on the
composition of aggregate non traded demand and is therefore
endogenously determined in the model. Calibrating the model with
OECD parameters, the effects of fiscal and technological shocks
are simulated. Our findings are as follows. First, the model is
consistent with the observed saving-investment correlations found
in the data. Second, unlike the perfectly framework and in
accordance with empirical studies, fiscal shocks cause real
appreciation of the relative price of non traded goods, which in
turn enlarges the responses of current account and investment.
Third, the model is consistent with the empirical report that
technological shocks result in current account deficits and
investment rises. Fourth, the strength of the relative price
appreciation following sector productivity differentials, i.e. the
Balassa-Samuelson effect, is affected by the monopolistic
competition hypothesis. Assume perfect competition when it is not,
biases upward estimates of the Balassa-Samuelson effect.