Income Inequality and Current Account Imbalances
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Summary:
This paper studies the empirical and theoretical link between increases in income inequality and increases in current account deficits. Cross-sectional econometric evidence shows that higher top income shares, and also financial liberalization, which is a common policy response to increases in income inequality, are associated with substantially larger external deficits. To study this mechanism we develop a DSGE model that features workers whose income share declines at the expense of investors. Loans to workers from domestic and foreign investors support aggregate demand and result in current account deficits. Financial liberalization helps workers smooth consumption, but at the cost of higher household debt and larger current account deficits. In emerging markets, workers cannot borrow from investors, who instead deploy their surplus funds abroad, leading to current account surpluses instead of deficits.
Series:
Working Paper No. 2012/008
Subject:
Balance of payments Consumption Current account Current account balance Income inequality National accounts Personal income
Frequency:
Quarterly
English
Publication Date:
January 1, 2012
ISBN/ISSN:
9781463930578/1018-5941
Stock No:
WPIEA2012008
Pages:
44
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