Post-Crisis Household Savings Behavior in Romania

The recent linear growth trend recorded by net savings in Romania is very intriguing. We thus study household savings behavior using Vector Autoregression and Vector Error Correction models on a sample of post-2007 monthly data. Contrary to common economic theory, we find that real interest rates do not influence the loan and savings behavior of Romanian households in our sample, despite their significant volatility and, even, negative recorded values. The results indicate a change in attitude and in risk perception of Romanian households in the aftermath of the financial crisis in 2008, in the way that has significantly decreased their preference for present consumption in favor of savings. Despite the significant increase in net savings, we also find that they have not significantly contributed to economic growth.