THE IMPACT OF MONETARY POLICY ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF KUWAIT FOR THE PERIOD OF 1980-2020

Abstract

The government of Kuwait has shifted its focus from the dependence on oil and has concentrated on applying a long-term strategic vision that seeks to recover the economy and raise the citizens’ standard of living. To accomplish these objectives, monetary policy should be formulated appropriately by the government. However, it seems that the effects of monetary policy instruments on the economic growth of Kuwait are not obvious. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to empirically explore the effect of monetary policy on Kuwaiti economic growth. This research uses annual time series data on real GDP, exchange rate, broad money supply (M2), consumer price index, and deposit interest rate over the period (1980 - 2020) and applies Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The results of the empirical analysis show the presence of a long-run relationship between real Gross Domestic Product and monetary policy instruments. Specifically, it finds that broad money supply (M2), deposit interest rate, and consumer price index affect economic growth positively and statistically significant. While the exchange rate affects real Gross Domestic Product negatively and statistically insignificant. The Granger causality test based on VECM shows two unidirectional causal relationships running from broad money supply and consumer price index to real GDP in the short run. Thus, the study suggests that policymakers concentrate on improving the economy by managing interest rates and maintain supporting environment for sustainable economic growth and development.