Report
Patrick Artus

Is it certain that the redistributive effects of below-growth interest rates are positive?

A situation where interest rates are lower than growth rates is often presented in a favourable light: it is said to make the economy more dynamic by favouring borrowers (companies, governments, home-buying households) over lenders (normally wealthier and older households). But is it certain that the redistributive effects of below-growth interest rates are so positive? To be sure, there is an overall income transfer from lenders to borrowers; But low-income households (which save in bonds) lose wealth and high-income households (which save in equities, companies and real estate) gain wealth; It is not certain that households that borrow to buy housing are helped if lower interest rates are offset by higher real estate prices; And there is no sign that lower interest rates have led to more corporate investment, possibly due to the inertia of the required return on equity.
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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