【Abstract】

This paper proposes the hypothesis that population aging could lead to higher demand for money. A testable implication is derived from this hypothesis on the basis of Friedman’s money demand function, which is that the proportion of old-age population is negatively correlated with the velocity of money. The testable implication is verified with the cross section data of 204 countries and the time series data of the US. This paper’s study provides a partial explanation for why the quantity theory of money appears ineffective in developed countries.

【Keywords】

Money Demand; Population Aging; the Quantity Theory of Money

【Authors】

Wang Lei, School of Economics, Hangzhou Normal University

Zhu Taihui, Research Fellow of IMI, Research Institute of JD Technology