Equity issuance, share buy-back and growth in a Kaldor-Kalecki model

Purpose - The aim of this article is to assess the macroeconomic consequences of some specific aspects of financialization (i.e. share buy-back) using a hybrid post-Keynesian model of growth and distribution based on Kaldorian and Kaleckian characteristics. Design/methodology/approach - The study follows a post-Keynesian approach and deals with financialization issues by implementing several numerical simulations. Findings - The numerical simulations reveal the negative real impacts of massive share repurchases on the rate of accumulation because they immediately siphon off revenues directly intended for investment projects. Moreover, the negative effect of share buy-backs is reinforced especially when firms' investment decisions are more sensitive to a variation in retained earnings. Next, this macro-model also reproduces several well-known figures of the Kaleckian tradition and the paradox of costs. Research limitations/implications - The present article can be considered as a starting point for further theoretical extensions and requires empirical validation. Originality/value - The Kaldor-Kalecki macro-model could be useful for policymakers who are interested in containing some of the negative excesses of financialization.