Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-3-2018
Abstract
Using the Johansen and Engle–Granger cointegration tests, we show that there is one cointegrating relationship between household debt, consumption, and income inequality in the United States for the period from 1929 to 2009. Given this result, we use a Vector Error-Correction model to further understand the dynamics among the three variables. Results indicate that increases in income inequality and consumption directly contribute to increases in household debt. Interestingly, the results reveal some feedback from household debt to income inequality. We also show that debt-driven consumption should be viewed with caution as the results show that increases in household debt correspond with future declines in the rate of consumption.
DOI
10.1080/10168737.2018.1481874
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Berisha, Edmond and Meszaros, John, "Household Debt, Consumption, and Income Inequality" (2018). Department of Economics Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 25.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/economics-facpubs/25
Published Citation
Berisha, E., & Meszaros, J. (2018). Household debt, consumption, and income inequality. International Economic Journal, 32(2), 161-176.