How Are Interest Rates Affecting Household Consumption and Savings?

Author

Lacy Christensen, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-2012

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Economics and Finance

Committee

Not specified

Abstract

This paper explores the optimal interest rates that could potentially maximize overall consumption and savings. I attempt to determine whether artificially low interest rates are positively or negatively affecting consumption. There has been speculation on whether the United States needs to raise the effective federal funds rate to provide financial institutions the incentive to lend money and increase household consumption. The Federal Reserve is currently keeping the effective funds rate between 0 and .25 in hopes of increasing consumption levels. This paper uses fifty years of interest rate data to narrow in on an optimal interest rate that leads to increased consumption levels, while taking into account numerous market factors. The empirical data suggests that the Federal Reserve is correct in keeping interest rates low, when attempting to increase consumption. There has been much research on this topic and on closely related subjects to consumption, savings and the real interest rate.

Comments

This work made publicly available electronically on November 5, 2012.

Recommended Citation

Christensen, Lacy, "How Are Interest Rates Affecting Household Consumption and Savings?" (2012). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023. 215.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/215