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The Impact of Income Distribution on the Current Account

Author

Listed:
  • Carrera Jorge Eduardo

    (University of La Plata – Department of Economics, La Plata, Argentina)

  • Rodriguez Esteban

    (University of Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina)

  • Sardi Mariano

    (University of Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between inequality and the current account, addressing the role of the functional distribution of income. Using panel data for 60 countries over the period 1975–2011, our results confirm that an increase in the wage share is associated with a decrease in the current account. We also analyze the effects of wage share on saving and investment, maintaining the same control variables. We find that the wage share is negatively correlated with saving and does not have a significant effect on investment. This result is consistent with the theories that connect higher wages with greater consumption and less saving. The relationship is stronger for developing economies, highlighting the structural differences between different groups of countries. Specifically, the relevance and sign of control variables like financial intermediation, fiscal balance, demographic ratios, capital account openness and growth expectations show important differences according to the level of development.

Suggested Citation

  • Carrera Jorge Eduardo & Rodriguez Esteban & Sardi Mariano, 2016. "The Impact of Income Distribution on the Current Account," Journal of Globalization and Development, De Gruyter, vol. 7(2), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:globdv:v:7:y:2016:i:2:p:20:n:1
    DOI: 10.1515/jgd-2016-0012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    aggregate demand; current account; functional distribution of income; inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D33 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Factor Income Distribution
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • F32 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Current Account Adjustment; Short-term Capital Movements
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics

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