Re: [OPE-L] Crashes, adjustment, and the long-run

From: Jerry Levy (Gerald_A_Levy@MSN.COM)
Date: Tue Mar 21 2006 - 08:15:39 EST


Hi Paul C,

> To answer with another question:
> How many years would it take at the current rate of deficit
> for the entire fixed capital stock of the USA to pass into the
> hands of overseas investors?

I assume you mean 'at the current rate of change'?  

> Would this point not act as a limit?

Why?

The issue isn't how long it would take for the fixed capital
stock to become fully owned abroad. The issue is, if you
are projecting a crash in the long-run, how long is the 
long-run?  

Also, I don't see any reason to necessarily believe that
foreign ownership of the fixed capital stock in the US would
cause a crash in the US.  Indeed, a contrary argument could 
made: if the fixed capital stock becomes fully owned by
investors abroad, then those investors have an increased
incentive to prop up the US economy -- they have more to
lose by a collapse.  If firms based out of the US declare 
bankruptcy in a crash that can't be good for their foreign
investors.

In solidarity, Jerry


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