Does this Excel spreadsheet error invalidate case for austerity?

clock

A new academic paper suggests an influential study used to argue the case for austerity contains a number of flaws - including a simple Excel spreadsheet error.

Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff's 2010 study 'Growth in a Time of Debt' found economic growth goes into reverse when a country's public debt to GDP ratio exceeds 90%. The findings have subsequently been highlighted by politicians on both sides of the Atlantic, including European Commissioner Olli Rehn, as a reason for implementing stringent deficit reduction plans. Yesterday, however, a trio of economists said the study's methodology contains several flaws - including an Excel error which meant the relatively resilient GDP growth seen in debt-saddled Belgium was simply omitted fro...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets