International Evidenceon the Determinants of Private Saving

Author/Editor:

Paul R Masson ; Tamim Bayoumi ; Hossein Samiei

Publication Date:

May 1, 1995

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

A broad set of possible determinants of private saving behavior is examined, using data for a large sample of industrial and developing countries. Both time-series and cross-section estimates are obtained. Results suggest that there is a partial offset on private saving of changes in public saving and (for developing countries) in foreign saving, that demographics and growth are important determinants of private saving rates, and that interest rates and terms of trade have positive, but less robust, effects. Increases in per capita GDP seem to increase saving at low income levels (relative to the United States) but decrease it at higher ones.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1995/051

Subject:

Financial services Fiscal policy Fiscal stance Income International trade National accounts Private savings Real interest rates Terms of trade

English

Publication Date:

May 1, 1995

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451847055/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0511995

Pages:

33

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