Expenditure Rules: Effective Tools for Sound Fiscal Policy?

Author/Editor:

Till Cordes ; Tidiane Kinda ; Priscilla S Muthoora ; Anke Weber

Publication Date:

February 12, 2015

Electronic Access:

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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 provides new evidence on the effectiveness of expenditure rules. The analysis is based on a unique dataset covering all countries with national and supranational fiscal rules, including 33 expenditure rules, between 1985 and 2013. It contributes to the existing literature on fiscal rules in two main ways. First, it is the most comprehensive assessment of compliance with rules and of the potential role of expenditure rules, in particular regarding long-term sustainability. Second, it analyzes whether expenditure rules are associated with changes in public investment and its efficiency.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2015/029

Subject:

Expenditure Fiscal policy Fiscal rules Fiscal stance Public investment spending

English

Publication Date:

February 12, 2015

ISBN/ISSN:

9781498390576/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2015029

Pages:

29

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