Series: Working Papers. 0421.
Author: Carmen Martínez-Carrascal y Ana del Río.
Topics: Household finances | Quantitative methods | Exchange rates | Monetary policy | Banco de España.
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Abstract
This paper aims at analysing the impact of household borrowing on consumption. These variables are modelled jointly in a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) where labour income, wealth variables and nominal interest rates are also included. The main estimation result is that deviations of borrowing from its long-run trend have a significant impact on consumption: when lending is above (below) its long-run level, future consumption contracts (expands). This evidence is also, found in a simpler model in which consumption is not modelled explicitly. In addition, when consumption departs from its long-run level, it seems to be an indicator of changes in future labour income.