Report
Patrick Artus

Are we able to explain why real interest rates are so low?

Real interest rates have become very low relative to real growth both in OECD countries and in the world as a whole . This very low level of real interest rates staves off the solvency crises that could arise due to the very high level of debt. What accounts for this very low level of real interest rates? Is it sustainable? Will it prevent debt crises long into the future? Real interest rates may be low as a result of : Expansionary monetary policies; Ex ante excess savings over investment; Strong demand for risk-free bonds, especially as central banks hold a significant share of public debt; The absence of future inflation expectations, which keeps nominal interest rates low. Real interest rates are therefore going to remain low if the functioning of labour markets does not become inflationary and if central banks do not return to restrictive monetary policies. The high level of savings and strong demand for risk-free assets seem to be enduring structural features of the global economy.
Provider
Natixis
Natixis

Based across the world’s leading financial centers, Natixis CIB Research offers an integrated view of the markets. The team provides support to inform Natixis clients’ investment and hedging decisions across all asset classes.

 

Analysts
Patrick Artus

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