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Saving behaviour in Malta: Insights from the Household Budgetary Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Glenn Abela
  • William Gatt

    (Central Bank of Malta)

Abstract

We use household-level data from the Household Budgetary Survey to study the saving patterns of Maltese households. We first establish a set of key observations from the data, showing that the likelihood of saving rises with income, age and education. We then estimate a Logit model of the probability of saving on a set of household characteristics. Our results support the observations from the raw data on income and age, but show that when we control for a host of factors, the probability of saving is actually highest among households with low education. We interpret these findings through the precautionary and bequest motives as predicted by theory. Other household characteristics, such as house tenure, marital status and the number of individuals in a household also affect the probability of saving. An extended Generalised Order Logit model sheds further light on the saving intensity of households based on their characteristics. These findings can inform both macroeconomic model development as well as guide policy formation.

Suggested Citation

  • Glenn Abela & William Gatt, 2021. "Saving behaviour in Malta: Insights from the Household Budgetary Survey," CBM Working Papers WP/02/2021, Central Bank of Malta.
    • Handle: RePEc:mlt:wpaper:0221
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    File URL: https://www.centralbankmalta.org/site/Reports-Articles/2021/WP-02-2021.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Glenn Abela & William Gatt, "undated". "Who are the (dis)savers? A look at household saving patters and wealth composition in Malta," CBM Policy Papers PP/01/2022, Central Bank of Malta.
    2. Brian Micallef, 2022. "Minimum Income Required to Purchase a Property: Conceptual Framework and Application to Malta," International Journal of Economics and Finance, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 14(10), pages 1-13, October.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities
    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D15 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Intertemporal Household Choice; Life Cycle Models and Saving

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