Nonstationary stochastic seasonality and the German M2 money demand function

In this paper nonstationary stochastic seasonality is investigated to model the German M2 money demand function using quarterly data for the period fr om 1960 to 1996. Empirical evidence is found in favour of a stable long-run M2 money demand function relying on seasonally unadjusted data while it is not possible to establish a stable long-run relationship using seasonally adjusted times series. The seasonal error correction model exhibits satisfa ctory properties and fits the data quite well. However, it shows parameter nonconstancy, especially in the middle of the 1970s and at the beginning of the 1990's when major monetary regime changes took place. (C) 2000 Elsevie r Science B.V. All rights reserved.