An Econometric Approach to Saving Analysis

The role of savings as a means of financing investment in the process of economic development is well conceived in the theories of economic growth. But what determines saving? Economists have tried to theorize about the relationship between savings and other economic aggregates in the national accounts. With the notable exception of Houthakker [16] Zohar [42] and Williamson [39] these studies were empirically verified only for U.S.A., Canada and a few other highly developed countries. An application of these models to international data is strongly desired because they generally serve as a useful frame of reference for growth and stabilization policies. The lack of such interest can be explained by the difficulties that collection and refinement of required data poses for developing countries.