Saving Rate Dynamics in the Neoclassical Growth Model: Hyperbolic Discounting and Observational Equivalence

Arbeitspapier

The standard neoclassical growth model with Cobb-Douglas production predicts a monotonically declining saving rate, when reasonably calibrated. Ample empirical evidence, however, shows that the transition path of a country’s saving rate exhibits a rising or non-monotonic pattern. In important cases, hyperbolic discounting, which is empirically strongly supported, implies transitional dynamics of the saving rate that accords well with empirical evidence. This holds true even in a growth model with Cobb-Douglas production technology. We also identify the cases where hyperbolic discounting is observationally equivalent to exponential discounting. In those cases, hyperbolic discounting does not affect the saving rate dynamics. Numerical simulations employing a generalized class of hyperbolic discounting functions that we term regular discounting functions support the results.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Nota di Lavoro ; No. 42.2013

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making‡ ; Macroeconomics: Consumption; Saving; Wealth ; Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity: General
• Subject: Saving Rate ; Non-Monotonic Transition Path ; Hyperbolic Discounting ; Regular Discounting ; Commitment ; Short Planning Horizon ; Neoclassical Growth Model

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Farzin, Y. Hossein ; Wendner, Ronald
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM)
• (where): Milano
• (when): 2013

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/74816
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:43 AM CET