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Post-pandemic Credit Allocation and Real Economic Activities: Evidence from Indian Firms

Author

Listed:
  • Arpita Agarwal

    (Reserve Bank of India)

  • Rishuka Bansal

    (Reserve Bank of India)

  • Silu Muduli

    (Reserve Bank of India)

Abstract

This study examines the borrowing behaviour and the consequent real outcomes of non-financial Indian firms in the aftermath of COVID-19. Using borrower-level data for 2018–2022, the empirical analysis uncovers a substantial reduction in bank borrowings post-pandemic, although the impact was significantly lower for financially vulnerable firms. Specifically, the temporarily afflicted firms received more credit on account of policy support. Expectedly, smaller and younger firms experienced relatively higher drops in bank borrowings, along with the service sector witnessing a more pronounced credit decline in comparison to the industrial sector. Amidst scarce resources, incremental credit was not deployed towards capital expenditure or labour compensation post the pandemic, instead, cheaper funds were utilised in paying off existing current liabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Arpita Agarwal & Rishuka Bansal & Silu Muduli, 2025. "Post-pandemic Credit Allocation and Real Economic Activities: Evidence from Indian Firms," Journal of Quantitative Economics, Springer;The Indian Econometric Society (TIES), vol. 23(1), pages 85-103, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jqecon:v:23:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s40953-024-00429-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s40953-024-00429-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19 pandemic; Firm borrowing behaviour; Investment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • E51 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Money Supply; Credit; Money Multipliers
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions

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