scholarly journals Rethinking the financial Kuznets curve in the framework of income inequality: Empirical evidence on advanced and developing economies

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
Onur Özdemir
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Financial Sector ◽  
Kuznets Curve ◽  
Financial Sector Development ◽  
Negative Link

Contrary to the empirical findings that there is a negative link between financial sector development and income inequality, we introduce a different result: in the earlier stages of the financial and economic development, the level of income inequality decreases, but with an ongoing developmental process, the later stages show that the above-mentioned link between finance and inequality turns into positive within the framework of financial Kuznets curve. In terms of finance-inequality nexus, we find that neither markets nor institutions play a significant role for the decrease in income inequality. When the results are measured within this context, the study concludes that the U-shaped financial Kuznets curve hypothesis is valid in the sample countries.

scholarly journals Institutional Quality and Financial Sector Development: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fisayo Fagbemi ◽  
John Oluwasegun Ajibike
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Financial Development ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Institutional Quality ◽  
Financial Sector ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Financial Sector Development ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Short Run

In view of the indispensable role of financial sector in both emerging and developing economies, there has been a notable spotlight on the financial sector development over the years in most African countries. Nonetheless, there are only a few studies on this topical issue, particularly for Nigeria. Hence, this study examines the long – run and short – run dynamic relationship between institutional quality and financial development in Nigeria over the period of 1984 – 2015 using Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test approach to cointegration. Using two different indicators (Private credit and M2) of financial development, the results consistently show that institutional factors do not have significant effect on financial development in the long – run as well as in the short – run. Furthermore, the empirical evidence indicates that regulatory quality and governance system (institutions) do not necessarily contribute to financial development in a feeble institutional environment, specifically in Nigeria. Thus, our findings suggest that whilst weak institutions could increase the risk of limiting the functioning of financial system, good governance and strong institutions are the essential ingredient of financial development in Nigeria. As a consequence, policies aimed at strengthening the quality of institutions and governance should form the major policy thrust of government (policy makers). These could help improving financial sector development in Nigeria.

Financial sector development and income inequality in South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 420-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Forget Mingiri Kapingura
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
Financial Development ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Financial Sector ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
External Trade ◽  
Bounds Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Sector Development

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial sector development and inequality in South Africa for the period from 1990 to 2012. Unlike previous studies, the study examines the role of both the broad measure of financial sector development (Bank credit to the private sector) and a measure of financial inclusion (ATMs). Design/methodology/approach Utilising quarterly data, the autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing model approach to cointegration test was estimated. The approach was preferred due to its compatibility with data of different orders and flexibility. Findings The findings indicate that financial development, especially when it is inclusive reduces the level of inequality in South Africa both in the short- and long-run. The results also highlighted that economic growth, external trade activities and government activities have played a very important role in reducing inequality in South Africa. On the other hand the empirical results also highlight that increasing inflation is regressive on inequality in South Africa. Research limitations/implications The results from the study imply that financial development on its own though important may not benefit the disadvantaged groups such as the poor and the rural community until it is inclusive. It is important to note that the study was carried out on the premise that inequality plays a very important role in exacerbating poverty levels in South Africa. Practical implications The paper highlights another avenue which authorities can pursue to reduce the level of inequality in the country. Social implications The paper documents the importance of financial inclusion in reducing the level of inequality in South Africa rather than advocating for financial sector development only. Originality/value The paper makes a contribution through analysing the effect of financial inclusion on income inequality rather than broad financial sector development which is common to the majority of the available empirical studies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document