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Date: | Fri Mar 31 17:18:37 2006 |
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Ric Holt says:
" 1) It's true that higher savings leads to faster growth,
but only in the short run. Let's assume that the classical model is
correct, which Keynes didn't, and that equilibrium in the loanable funds
market through adjustments of real interest rates leads to investment
equal to savings. So an increase in savings will lead to an increase
in investment and spending by firms for new capital. But this will not
continue indefinitely. Capital wears out and so capital stock will adjust
itself to the point where savings equal depreciation."
I suggest we come out this muddle. Saving is a FLOW. From this flow
investors acquire the funds to buy capital goods which depreciate,
physically in the process of production. That production generates
new income, part of which is saved and made available for investors
to continue buying more producer's goods. Some of such purchases are
recorded as replacement "capital" or depreciation. Thus the claim
that saving is important for growth only in the short run lacks
validity.
By the way, my own copy of the General Theory has numerous comments on
the margins and it's "falling apart" from repeated use. I think I
know the real Keynes fairly well.
James Ahiakpor
CSUH, Hayward
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