Finance and Growth: Theory and Evidence

Ross Levine ()

No 10766, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: This paper reviews, appraises, and critiques theoretical and empirical research on the connections between the operation of the financial system and economic growth. While subject to ample qualifications and countervailing views, the preponderance of evidence suggests that both financial intermediaries and markets matter for growth and that reverse causality alone is not driving this relationship. Furthermore, theory and evidence imply that better developed financial systems ease external financing constraints facing firms, which illuminates one mechanism through which financial development influences economic growth. The paper highlights many areas needing additional research.

JEL-codes: G0 O1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2004-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cfn, nep-dev, nep-fin, nep-his, nep-hpe and nep-mfd
Note: CF EFG IFM
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (391)

Published as Levine, Ross, 2005. "Finance and Growth: Theory and Evidence," Handbook of Economic Growth, in: Philippe Aghion & Steven Durlauf (ed.), Handbook of Economic Growth, edition 1, volume 1, chapter 12, pages 865-934 Elsevier.

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Chapter: Finance and Growth: Theory and Evidence (2005)
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