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Saving Rates in Latin America: A Neoclassical Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Andrés Fernández

    (Central Bank of Chile)

  • Ayşe İmrohoroğlu

    (University of Southern California)

  • Cesar E. Tamayo

    (EAFIT University)

Abstract

This paper examines the time path of saving rates between 1970 and 2010 in Chile, Colombia, and Mexico through the lens of the neoclassical growth model. The findings indicate that two factors, the growth rate of TFP and fiscal policy, are able to account for some of the major fluctuations in saving rates observed during this period. In particular, we find that the model accounts for the low saving rates in Chile compared to Colombia until the late 1980s and the reversal in the saving rates thereafter. Also, a combination of high TFP growth and tax reforms that substantially reduced capital taxation seems to be responsible for the impressive increase in Chile’s saving rate in mid-1980s.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrés Fernández & Ayşe İmrohoroğlu & Cesar E. Tamayo, 2019. "Saving Rates in Latin America: A Neoclassical Perspective," IMF Economic Review, Palgrave Macmillan;International Monetary Fund, vol. 67(4), pages 791-823, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:imfecr:v:67:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1057_s41308-019-00093-1
    DOI: 10.1057/s41308-019-00093-1
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence

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