How Saving Data Is Estimated

Abstract

Gross national saving is one of the widely used economic data in empirical studies, and it is used in the saving-investment debate, economic growth and similar studies. However, there is a discrepancy between the general definition of saving and gross national saving data. Gross national saving does not represent a certain amount of funds — it is estimated or derived ex post. This study will focus on two different methods of the estimation of gross national saving and the methodology of these estimations. These findings show that using gross national saving cannot be used in empirical studies for saving-investment debate or similar studies.