Dynamics of Twin Deficits, Ricardian Equivalence, and Feldstein-Horioka Puzzle in South Asian Countries

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between budget deficit and current account deficit, specifically twin deficits hypothesis, Ricardian equivalence hypothesis, and Feldstein-Horioka puzzle in South Asian countries. Results show that budget deficit and private savings investment balance do not affect current account deficit in the long run and rejects the Keynesian view of twin deficits hypothesis in South Asian countries. No causality exists between current account deficit and budget deficit in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in short run, while bidirectional causality exists in Bangladesh. Ricardian equivalence hypothesis is rejected in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, while it holds in India and Pakistan. Feldstein-Horioka puzzle exists in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, while it does not exist in India and Pakistan. Structural reforms in fiscal and trade sector are required to avoid emergence of twin deficits, while an active and effective role of government is required for sustainable economic growth.