The tendency to underestimate the future value of a variable growing at a constant rate, an example of exponential growth bias, has been linked to household financial decision making. We show that exponential growth bias and standard measures of financial literacy are negatively correlated in a...

This study determines causal relationship between financial development and economic performance in Tanzania. The study employs cointegration and vector error correction model techniques. Granger causality test was applied to ascertain causation between financial development and economic...

This study examines the causal links between energy consumption (EC) and economic development, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for four Balkan countries (i.e. Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Albania) during the period 1980-2009. Energy is a key source of economic growth because many...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Iraq’s economic growth has been slower than expected at the time of the last Article IV Consultation, mainly because the expected expansion of oil production has not materialized. Following a decline in oil production and real GDP in 2005,...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that data for the first half of 2005 point to a widening fiscal deficit for Antigua and Barbuda. A combination of a reduction in capital spending and some improvement in revenues following a tightening of the concessions regime resulted in a closing...

We examine the effects of aid on growth-- in cross-sectional and panel data--after correcting for the bias that aid typically goes to poorer countries, or to countries after poor performance. Even after this correction, we find little robust evidence of a positive (or negative) relationship...

Financial frictions have been identified as key factors affecting economic fluctuations and growth. But, can institutional reforms reduce financial frictions? Based on a canonical investment model, we consider two potential channels: (i) financial transaction costs at the firm level; and (ii)...

The central bank of Lebanon adopted exchange rate targeting in 1994 and it has exploited several instruments (particularly interest rate) since then to stimulate foreign financial inflows. This study aims at testing the impact of this strategy on economic performance and welfare in both the...

This study investigated the impact of external debt on economic growth of Tanzania for the period of 1990-2010. The study used time series data on external debt and economic performance. It is assumed that external debt helps developing countries to meet developing needs. While debt servicing...