This paper develops and tests a model of Japan’s household savings rate, based on the life-cycle hypothesis that the … primary motive for savings is provision for retirement. The paper shows that Japan’s high household savings rate in recent … improvements in public pension benefits and the aging of the population. It projects that the savings rate will decline …

This paper examines the extent to which conclusions of cross-country studies of private savings are robust to allowing … for the possible heterogeneity of savings behavior across countries and the inclusion of dynamics. It shows that … neglecting heterogeneity and dynamics can lead to misleading inferences about the key determinants of savings behavior. The …

This paper explores how tax policy affects the level and allocation of national savings in the United States. It argues … composition of savings and investment. The paper suggests various specific tax measures that would not only raise government … revenue but also enhance the efficiency of savings and investment …