Asymmetric Impact of Financial Intermediary Development in Low- and High-Income Countries

• Main Authors: Chi-Chun Yang, Ya-Kai Chang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-07-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: three-sector endogenous growth model; quantile regression; financial intermediation; human capital; economic growth; sustainability
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/15/5960

This study uses the quantile regression method developed by Koenker and Bassett (1978) to examine the asymmetric effect of financial intermediary development on economic growth in low- and high-income countries. A three-sector neoclassical growth model composed of a representative family sector, production sector, and the financial intermediary sector is constructed, and the equilibrium solutions determine the variables employed in the empirical model. The empirical results reveal an asymmetric relationship between financial intermediary development and economic growth. Financial intermediary development is the main driving force of economic growth for high-income countries only, not for low-income countries. Overall, this study suggests that countries should not develop financial intermediaries indiscriminately in the pursuit of economic expansion, especially for low-income countries. Our empirical findings have important policy implications for regulators who are especially concerned about countries’ sustainable economic growth.