The transition economies of Eastern Europe almost uniformly experienced a precipitous plunge in savings rates - from levels above 30 percent of GDP to levels about half that - early in the transition, before rebounding slightly. Did savings collapse because involuntary savings were eliminated...

While international capital flows are rising, the role of banks in the economy is changing and stock markets in OECD and eastern European countries play an increasing role for financing investment and innovation. Economic catching up of eastern Europe, European Monetary Union and problems of...