Why aren't developed countries saving?

B-Tier
Journal: European Economic Review
Year: 2012
Volume: 56
Issue: 6
Pages: 1261-1275

Authors (3)

Dobrescu, Loretti I. (not in RePEc) Kotlikoff, Laurence J. (Boston University) Motta, Alberto (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

National saving rates differ enormously across developed countries. But these differences obscure a common trend, namely a dramatic decline over time. France and Italy, for example, saved over 23% and 19% of national income in 1970, but only 9% and 4% respectively in 2008. Japan saved almost 33% in 1970, but only 7% in 2008. And the U.S. saved around 11% in 1970, but only 1% in 2008. What explains these international and intertemporal differences? Is it demographics, government spending, productivity growth or preferences?

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:eecrev:v:56:y:2012:i:6:p:1261-1275
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25