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The Inflation-Growth Nexus: A Systematic Review Of International Evidence

Author

Listed:
  • KIMOLO, Deogratius

    (University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa)

  • ODHIAMBO, Nicholas M.

    (Professor, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa)

  • NYASHA, Sheilla

    (Lecturer, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa)

Abstract

This paper provides a systematic review of the empirical literature on the relationship between inflation and economic growth. By synthesising findings from 60 studies, we analyse the impact of inflation on growth, the presence of threshold effects, and the direction of causality between the two variables. Our analysis revealed a complex and context-dependent relationship, with diverse outcomes across countries and regions. While some studies indicate a positive impact of moderate inflation on growth, others find negative or insignificant effects of high inflation. Notably, the literature highlights the existence of varying inflation thresholds, beyond which adverse effects on growth become more pronounced. The direction of causality between inflation and growth is also multifaceted, with evidence supporting unidirectional, bidirectional, and insignificant causality. These findings underscore the importance of policymakers adopting nuanced approaches that balance price stability with sustainable economic growth, considering country-specific characteristics and institutional frameworks. The review also points to the need for researchers to focus on refining methodologies, expanding data coverage, and exploring heterogeneity in this relationship to provide more robust and actionable insights for policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • KIMOLO, Deogratius & ODHIAMBO, Nicholas M. & NYASHA, Sheilla, 2026. "The Inflation-Growth Nexus: A Systematic Review Of International Evidence," Studii Financiare (Financial Studies), Centre of Financial and Monetary Research "Victor Slavescu", vol. 30(2), pages 52-88, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:vls:finstu:v:30:y:2026:i:2:p:52-88
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.65672/fs.2026.2.3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Robert J. Barro, 2013. "Inflation and Economic Growth," Annals of Economics and Finance, Society for AEF, vol. 14(1), pages 121-144, May.
    2. Abdulla S. Al-Khulaifi, 2018. "An Empirical Study on Inflation and Economic Growth in Qatar," International Journal of Economics and Financial Research, Academic Research Publishing Group, vol. 4(9), pages 292-296, 09-2018.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • E47 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy

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