Are we a nation of savers or spendthrifts? With the release last week of data on savings rates in Ireland and Europe, it occurred to me that in more than a quarter of a century writing columns, I have never explored this matter. That is despite the huge importance of savings for economies and individuals. How economies perform, both in the short term and long term, is strongly influenced by how much is saved, which in turn has traditionally determined how much is invested in the capital stock. At a personal level, savings are a major factor in how individuals…

Want to continue reading?

Celebrate with us – 7 years of The Currency

Unlock full access to The Currency and The Wall Street Journal with an annual membership and receive a FREE Samsonite Spectrolite Briefcase – worth €175 delivered to your door.

Subscribe

Cancel at any time.

Are you already a member? .