Saving Trends in Southeast Asia: A Cross-Country Analysis

Author/Editor:

Hamid Faruqee ; Aasim M. Husain

Publication Date:

April 1, 1995

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper investigates the long-run pattern of private saving in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. These countries have not only maintained saving levels that are currently among the highest in the world but have also experienced a sustained increase in their rate of private saving over the past twenty years. Using a cointegration approach, this paper empirically examines the economic determinants underlying the saving trends in this group and the extent to which these countries share a common experience with respect to the factors accounting for their strong saving performance. The findings suggest that demographic shifts have been an important factor underlying regional saving trends with a similar long-run impact in each country, except for Indonesia where the effects of demographics have been even more pronounced.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1995/039

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

April 1, 1995

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451845778/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0391995

Pages:

34

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