盛松成：消费如何促进投资并形成良性循环 | 宏观经济

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of increasing consumption rates in China to promote stable economic growth and enhance investment efficiency, highlighting the interdependent relationship between consumption and investment [1][10]. Group 1: Relationship Between Consumption and Investment - The traditional "three drivers" model (consumption, investment, net exports) often leads to a fragmented view of the relationship between consumption and investment, which are actually interrelated and should not be viewed in isolation [3][5]. - In the short term, consumption and investment may appear to compete for resources, but over the long term, investment can enhance future consumption by creating jobs and increasing income [6][10]. - The article argues that consumption is the ultimate goal of economic activity, as it relates to national welfare and the pursuit of a better life, thus reinforcing the need for a balanced approach to consumption and investment [5][10]. Group 2: Causal Relationship and Economic Models - The article discusses how investment can stimulate consumption by creating jobs and increasing disposable income, while strong consumer demand can drive investment decisions by businesses [6][21]. - It highlights that the relationship between consumption and investment can change over time, particularly in the context of China's economic transition from a planned to a market economy [10][22]. - Economic growth models, such as the Solow model, emphasize the importance of both consumption and investment, suggesting that an optimal balance is necessary for sustainable growth [12][13]. Group 3: Comparison of Consumption and Investment in China and the U.S. - Data from the World Bank indicates that China's capital formation as a percentage of GDP has fluctuated significantly, peaking at 46.7% in 2011, while U.S. capital formation has remained relatively stable between 20% and 26% [14][16]. - The article notes that during economic downturns, U.S. consumption tends to increase as investment declines, contrasting with China's rising capital formation during similar periods [16][17]. - The current consumption rate in China is still below the optimal level, indicating a need for a shift in the economic growth model from investment-driven to consumption-driven [17][22]. Group 4: Promoting a Positive Cycle Between Consumption and Investment - The 2023 Central Economic Work Conference report suggests two methods to promote a virtuous cycle between consumption and investment: stimulating potential consumption and expanding effective investment [19][20]. - The article asserts that consumption is crucial for economic stability, as it tends to be more stable than investment, especially during periods of economic uncertainty [21][22]. - It concludes that fostering a positive interaction between consumption and investment is essential for both short-term economic growth and long-term sustainable development [22].