A Theory of the Consumption Function, with and without Liquidity Constraints

Christopher Carroll

Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2001, vol. 15, issue 3, 23-45

Abstract: This paper argues that the modern stochastic consumption model, in which impatient consumers face uninsurable labor income risk, matches Milton Friedman's (1957) original description of the Permanent Income Hypothesis much better than the perfect foresight or certainty equivalent models did. The model can explain the high marginal propensity to consume, the high discount rate on future income, and the important role for precautionary behavior that were all part of Friedman's original framework. The paper also explains the relationship of these questions to the Euler equation literature, and argues that the effects of precautionary saving and liquidity constraints are often virtually indistinguishable.

JEL-codes: D91 E21 N41 N42 O34 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001
Note: DOI: 10.1257/jep.15.3.23
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (362)

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