Sectoral Debt and Global Dollar Cycles in Developing Economies

Author/Editor:

Bada Han ; Rashad Ahmed ; Joshua Aizenman ; Yothin Jinjarak

Publication Date:

February 16, 2024

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary:

We explore the role of sectoral debt dynamics in shaping business cycles in a sample of 52 Emerging Market Economies (EMEs) and Frontier Market Economies (FMEs) from 2005 to 2021. Higher household debt levels and growth are associated with significantly slower GDP growth in more developed EMEs but not in less developed EMEs and FMEs. We also examine the relationship between US dollar cycles, sectoral debt levels and growth, and economic activity. Among developed EMEs, higher expected household debt growth magnifies the impact of US dollar fluctuations on economic activity, with significant but less persistent effects on consumption and more persistent effects on investment. Our empirical findings highlight the important role of household debt dynamics in relatively developed EMEs.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2024/030

Subject:

Frequency:

regular

English

Publication Date:

February 16, 2024

ISBN/ISSN:

9798400267208/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2024030

Format:

Paper

Pages:

43

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