The Feldstein-Horioka Puzzle: a Panel SmoothTransition Regression Approach

This paper proposes an original framework to determine the relative influence of fivefactors on the Feldstein and Horioka result of OECD countries with a strong saving-investment association. Based on panel threshold regression models, we establishcountry-specific and time-specific saving retention coefficients for 24 OECD coun-tries over the period 1960-2000. These coefficients are assumed to change smoothly,as a function of five threshold variables, considered as the most important in theliterature devoted to the Feldstein and Horioka puzzle. The results show that; de-gree of openness, country size and current account to GDP ratios have the greatestinfluence on the investment-saving relationship.