Long-Term Rates, Capital Shares, and Income Inequality

Edmond Berisha, John Meszaros

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Using Piketty and Zucman’s (Q J Econ 129(3):1255-1310, 2014) recently published capital share data, this paper uses structural VARs to understand the relationship between long-term interest rates, capital shares, and the distribution of income in the United States. The results indicate that increases in capital shares increase income inequality. Moreover, the relationship between the interest rate and capital shares is found to be negative and statistically significant. The results suggest that low long-term rates, through an equity and business investment channel, further increase the unequal distribution of income in the U.S. The results further illuminate the channels through which monetary policy can potentially affect the distribution of income.

Original languageEnglish
JournalOpen Economies Review
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2019

Keywords

  • Income inequality
  • Macroeconomic policy
  • Monetary policy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Long-Term Rates, Capital Shares, and Income Inequality'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this