Financial development and economic growth: Panel data analysis

Abstract

The relationship between financial development and economic growth has been the subject of considerable debate in development and growth literature. Therefore this chapter provides evidence on the role of financial development in accounting for economic growth in 23 OECD countries (Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Holland, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, England, USA, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Turkey, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland) via panel data analysis using the annual data for the period 1980-2012. The authors find a positive relationship between financial development and economic growth for all countries. Also this result means that financial development leads economic growth in these countries. So the results may help policymakers formulate effective financial sector policies as a tool to promote economic growth.