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Unemployment risk and buffer-stock saving: An empirical investigation in Japan

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  • Bessho, Shun-ichiro
  • Tobita, Eiko

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate, using micro data, the strength in Japan of the precautionary saving motive. While numerical simulations suggest the economic importance of precautionary saving, the empirical evidence is mixed. In this paper, we apply the buffer-stock saving model and focus on the effect of unemployment risk on wealth accumulation. We find that uncertainty has a positive and statistically significant effect on the wealth-to-income ratio, and that buffer-stock savings account for 6 or 15 percent of net financial assets. Housing loans and expenditures associated with children decrease this ratio.

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  • Bessho, Shun-ichiro & Tobita, Eiko, 2008. "Unemployment risk and buffer-stock saving: An empirical investigation in Japan," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 20(3), pages 303-325, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:japwor:v:20:y:2008:i:3:p:303-325
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    2. Wataru Suzuki & Yanfei Zhou, 2013. "Does Pessimism Over Pension Prospect Spur Excess Saving? - Evidence Concerning Close-to-Retirement Households in Japan," Gakushuin Economic Papers, Gakushuin University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 49(4), pages 227-244.
    3. Antonio Chirumbolo & Antonino Callea & Flavio Urbini, 2021. "The Effect of Job Insecurity and Life Uncertainty on Everyday Consumptions and Broader Life Projects during COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-20, May.
    4. Wataru Kureishi & Midori Wakabayashi, 2013. "What motivates single women to save? the case of Japan," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 11(4), pages 681-704, December.

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