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Fiscal Policy, Profits and Investment

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  • Alesina, Alberto F
  • Ardagna, Silvia
  • Perotti, Roberto
  • Schiantarelli, Fabio

Abstract

This paper evaluates the effects of fiscal policy on investment using a panel of OECD countries. In particular, we investigate how different types of fiscal policy affect profits and, as a result, investment. We find a sizeable negative effect of public spending - and in particular of its public wage component - on business investment. This result is consistent with models in which government employment creates wage pressure for the private sector. Various types of taxes also have negative effects on profits, but, interestingly, the effects of government spending on investment are larger than the effect of taxes. Our results have important implications for the so called ``non-Keynesian'' (i.e. expansionary) effects of fiscal adjustments.

Suggested Citation

  • Alesina, Alberto F & Ardagna, Silvia & Perotti, Roberto & Schiantarelli, Fabio, 1999. "Fiscal Policy, Profits and Investment," CEPR Discussion Papers 2250, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:2250
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fiscal Policy; Investment; Profits; Taxes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H32 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Firm

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