Report
Patrick Artus

Public debt has a social utility

Public debt is often seen as an anomaly that must be corrected, the idea being that a high public debt crowds out private sector borrowing and investment. But it is important to not overlook that public debt has a social utility, for several reasons: If the private sector has a very high savings rate, which is the case today, public debt prevents the private sector from making inefficient investments; Public debt provides a risk-free asset needed by savers and investors, especially when uncertainty is high; Public debt provides a liquid asset, which is useful for investors and banks. When estimating the optimal quantity of public debt, these positive effects of public debt on well-being must be taken into account. .
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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Benito Berber
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