Heterogeneity-robust granular instruments

Abstract: Granular instrumental variables (GIV) has experienced sharp growth in empirical macro-finance. The methodology's rise showcases granularity's potential for identification across many economic environments, like the estimation of spillovers and demand systems. I propose a new estimator--called robust granular instrumental variables (RGIV)--that enables studying unit-level heterogeneity in spillovers. Unlike existing methods that assume heterogeneity is a function of observables, RGIV leaves heterogeneity unrestricted. In contrast to the baseline GIV estimator, RGIV allows for unknown shock variances and equal-sized units. Applied to the Euro area, I find strong evidence of country-level heterogeneity in sovereign yield spillovers.