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The Electricity Revolution and the Stock Market, 1885-1928

Author

Listed:
  • Boyan Jovanovic

    (New York University)

  • Peter L. Rousseau

    (Vanderbilt University)

Abstract

Studies of early U.S. growth traditionally have emphasized real-sector explanations for an acceleration that by many accounts became detectable between 1815 and 1840. Interestingly, the establishment of the nation's basic financial structure predated by three decades the canals, railroads, and widespread use of water and steam-powered machinery that are thought to have triggered modernization. We argue that this innovative and expanding financial system, by providing debt and equity financing to businesses and governments as new technologies emerged, was central to the nation's early growth and modernization. The analysis includes a set of multivariate time series models that relate measures of banking and equity market activity to measures of investment, imports and business incorporations from 1790 to 1850. The findings offer support for our hypothesis of "finance-led" growth in the U.S. case. By implication, the interest today in improving financial systems as a means of fostering sustainable growth is not misplaced.

Suggested Citation

  • Boyan Jovanovic & Peter L. Rousseau, 2000. "The Electricity Revolution and the Stock Market, 1885-1928," Econometric Society World Congress 2000 Contributed Papers 1478, Econometric Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecm:wc2000:1478
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Greenwood, Jeremy & Yorukoglu, Mehmet, 1997. "1974," Carnegie-Rochester Conference Series on Public Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(1), pages 49-95, June.
      • Greenwood, J. & Yorukoglu, M., 1996. "1974," RCER Working Papers 429, University of Rochester - Center for Economic Research (RCER).
    2. Jeremy Greenwood & Boyan Jovanovic, 2001. "Accounting for Growth," NBER Chapters, in: New Developments in Productivity Analysis, pages 179-224, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert F. Bruner & Scott C. Miller, 2019. "The Great Crash of 1929: A Look Back After 90 Years," Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, Morgan Stanley, vol. 31(4), pages 43-58, December.

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