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Current Account Composition and Sustainability of External Debt

Author

Listed:
  • Gianpaolo Rossini

    (University of Bologna)

  • Paolo Zanghieri

    (Association of Italian Insurers)

Abstract

If an economy runs a current account (CA) deficit and finances it via a corresponding net inflow of equity capital the external debt (ED) does not change, i.e.: the CA deficit does not add to ED. This is no paradox. It simply comes from the definition of CA deficit and ED and points to different degrees of sustainability of CA deficits according to the way they are financed and to the composition of the CA itself. By the evaluation of the determinants of interest rates spreads vis à vis US lending rates we assess the sustainability of CA deficits. We find that FDI net inflows (proxy of equity capital) allow emerging economies to sustain larger CA imbalances with respect to CA deficits financed by inflows of more liquid assets. Equity capital is a way to finance the CA. It does not contribute to the ED and it affects the solvency assessment of a country.

Suggested Citation

  • Gianpaolo Rossini & Paolo Zanghieri, 2007. "Current Account Composition and Sustainability of External Debt," Development Working Papers 226, Centro Studi Luca d'Agliano, University of Milano.
    • Handle: RePEc:csl:devewp:226
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    File URL: https://www.dagliano.unimi.it/media/WP2007_226.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mihajlo Djukic & Drasko Nikolic, 2012. "Economic Integration and Analysis of External Debt Position of Serbia," Book Chapters, in: Paulino Teixeira & António Portugal Duarte & Srdjan Redzepagic & Dejan Eric (ed.), European Integration Process in Western Balkan Countries, edition 1, volume 1, chapter 26, pages 512-528, Institute of Economic Sciences.
    2. Barbara Pistoresi, 2013. "Italy's current account sustainability:a long run perspective, 1861-2000," Center for Economic Research (RECent) 092, University of Modena and Reggio E., Dept. of Economics "Marco Biagi".
    3. repec:mod:depeco:0011 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Barbara Pistoresi & Alberto Rinaldi, 2013. "External constraint and economic growth in Italy: 1861-2000," Department of Economics (DEMB) 0011, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Economics "Marco Biagi".

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Equity capital; FDI; CA deficit; external debt;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
    • F34 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Lending and Debt Problems

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