A meta‐analysis of the relationship between debt and growth

Winston Moore and Chrystol Thomas

International Journal of Development Issues, 2010, vol. 9, issue 3, 214-225

Abstract: Purpose - Developing countries tend to be characterised by relatively high levels of indebtedness. The proceeds from debt can potentially have positive effects on growth, if the funds are employed to expand the productive capacity of the nation. The paper aims to investigate whether debt can be used to finance growth. Design/methodology/approach - The paper utilizes meta‐analysis approach to address the issue. This approach allows researchers to combine the results from both published and unpublished research to gain insights regarding the directional and statistical significance of the relationship between the two variables. Findings - The results suggest that there exist a positive relationship between debt and economic growth. Research limitations/implications - The findings from the paper suggest that future research should be conscious of the effect model specification can have on the results on their studies. Indeed, when external debt, the fiscal balance, debt relief where included in the econometric specification the relationship between debt and growth was weakened. Practical implications - Economic growth should be stimulated, if the proceeds from debt issues are utilized to finance investment in productive areas of economic activity. Originality/value - While the relationship between debt and growth has stimulated a number of research papers, seminars and conferences, to date, however, no clear answer to the question is available. Through the use of meta‐analysis, this paper allows the reader to glean the main findings from this body of research.

Keywords: Debt; Economic growth; Developing countries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Working Paper: A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Debt and Growth (2008)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ijdipp:v:9:y:2010:i:3:p:214-225

DOI: 10.1108/14468951011073307

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