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Capital flows and income inequality

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  • Liu, Zheng
  • Spiegel, Mark M.
  • Zhang, Jingyi

Abstract

We document empirical evidence that surges in capital inflows (outflows) raise (reduce) income inequality. We study the mechanism through which changes in capital flows and capital account policies can influence income distributions in a small open economy model. Our model features heterogeneous agents and financial frictions, with banks intermediating between household savings and entrepreneur investment. Inflow surges disproportionately raise entrepreneur income, exacerbating inequality, while increases in outflows boost the share of household income, alleviating inequality. Under capital-skill complementarity, capital account liberalization that induces net capital inflows raises both the skill wage premium and overall income inequality. These predictions are in line with our empirical evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Zheng & Spiegel, Mark M. & Zhang, Jingyi, 2023. "Capital flows and income inequality," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:inecon:v:144:y:2023:i:c:s0022199623000624
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2023.103776
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    Cited by:

    1. Jinyeong Yun, 2023. "Capital Inflows and Income Inequality:Evidence from Panel VAR Approach," MAGKS Papers on Economics 202322, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Capital flows; Income distribution; Heterogeneous agents; Capital-skill complementarity; Financial frictions; Small open economy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • F32 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Current Account Adjustment; Short-term Capital Movements
    • F38 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Financial Policy: Financial Transactions Tax; Capital Controls

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