The Long-Run Behavior and Short-Run Dynamics of Private Savings in Morocco

The paper examines the trend in private savings in Morocco in the presence of financial sector development by utilizing a cointegration and error-correction modeling framework. Specifically, the hypothesis that there is stable relationship between the level of private savings and its determinants including a measure of financial reform is investigated. The statistical results provide evidence in favor of a long-run relationship between private savings and most of its determinants. More importantly, the financial reform index, as measured by financial depth, is found to have a positive impact on the level of private savings. This indicates that the financial reform program has tentatively improved resource allocation in Morocco and with the availability of a greater range of savings instruments, with positive real returns, private savings has increased