Benefits and Costs of Debt: The Dose Makes the Poison

39 Pages Posted: 28 Feb 2020 Last revised: 29 Feb 2020

See all articles by M. Ayhan Kose

M. Ayhan Kose

World Bank; Brookings Institution; Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); Australian National University (ANU)

Franziska Ohnsorge

World Bank; Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); Australian National University (ANU) - Crawford School of Public Policy

Naotaka Sugawara

World Bank

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: February 27, 2020

Abstract

Government debt has risen substantially in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) since the global financial crisis. The current environment of low global interest rates and weak growth may appear to mitigate concerns about elevated debt levels. Considering currently subdued investment, additional government borrowing might also appear to be an attractive option for financing growth-enhancing initiatives such as investment in human and physical capital. However, history suggests caution. Despite low interest rates, debt was on a rising trajectory in half of EMDEs in 2018. In addition, the cost of rolling over debt can increase sharply during periods of financial stress and result in financial crises; elevated debt levels can limit the ability of governments to provide fiscal stimulus during downturns; and high debt can weigh on investment and long-term growth. Hence, EMDEs need to strike a careful balance between taking advantage of low interest rates and avoiding the potentially adverse consequences of excessive debt accumulation.

Suggested Citation

Kose, M. Ayhan and Ohnsorge, Franziska and Sugawara, Naotaka, Benefits and Costs of Debt: The Dose Makes the Poison (February 27, 2020). World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 9166, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3545659

M. Ayhan Kose (Contact Author)

World Bank ( email )

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Brookings Institution ( email )

1775 Massachusetts Ave, NW
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Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) ( email )

London
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Australian National University (ANU) ( email )

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601
Australia

Franziska Ohnsorge

World Bank ( email )

1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433
United States

Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) ( email )

London
United Kingdom

Australian National University (ANU) - Crawford School of Public Policy ( email )

ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
J.G. Crawford Building, #132, Lennox Crossing
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200
Australia

Naotaka Sugawara

World Bank ( email )

1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433
United States

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