Long-run consequences of debt in a stock-flow consistent network economy

Abstract

In this paper we develop a theoretical framework to analyze the long-run behavior of an economy characterized by a regime of persistent debt. We introduce a stock-flow consistent dynamic model where the economic system is represented by a network of trading relationships among agents. Debt contracts are one of such relationships. The model is characterized by a unique and stable steady-state, which predicts that (i) aggregate income is always limited from the above by the money supply and that (ii) debts cause a redistribution of borrowers' wealth and income in favor of lenders. In the aggregate this may also lower nominal income, as empirical evidence suggests