Okun Law Analysis by MIDAS Regression: Turkish Case

Abstract

Okun's Law, introduced by Arthur M. Okun (1962); explains the inverse relationship between unemployment and growth. According to the Okun's Law, high growth rates reduce unemployment rate and low or negative growth rates increase the unemployment rate. In this study, in the period 1990-2017, the relationship between growth and the unemployment rate in Turkey is empirically tested by MIDAS (Mixed Data Sampling) regression, which allows statistical analysis of the data with different frequencies. In this context, while the Industrial Production Index, as proxy of GDP, is taken into account on a monthly basis, unemployment rate variable is included as quarterly into the analysis. According the results of the study, the validity of Okun's Law in Turkey asymmetrical and valid and it seems to be driving in a loop.