Interest Rates, Credit Rationing, and Investment in Developing Countries

31 Pages Posted: 28 Jan 2006

See all articles by Mwanza Nkusu

Mwanza Nkusu

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Date Written: March 2003

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of interest rates and inflation on bank loans and investment within a framework that mimics the financial sectors prevailing in most low-income developing countries. The paper emphasizes the importance of treating the lending and deposit rates of interest as distinct parameters in investment equations. The spread between the two rates is indicative of default risk and has a negative impact on incremental loan amounts associated with higher lending rates, in particular in economies with flawed institutions. The model presented in the paper highlights the importance of promoting macroeconomic stability and upgrading institutions and informational infrastructure.

Keywords: Credit, developing countries, interest rates, institutions, investment

JEL Classification: E44, E52, O17, O23

Suggested Citation

Nkusu, Mwanza, Interest Rates, Credit Rationing, and Investment in Developing Countries (March 2003). IMF Working Paper No. 03/63, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=879138

Mwanza Nkusu (Contact Author)

International Monetary Fund (IMF) ( email )

700 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20431
United States

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