Long-run and short-run determinants of the private pension contributions in Turkey

An efficient private pension system can play a significant role in maintaining stable economic growth primarily through a higher savings rate, capital stock, and social welfare. Turkey is one of the relatively new countries to adopt a private pension scheme to promote higher household savings. In this study, we explore the determinants that affect a household's contribution to the private pension system. Using time-series monthly data from 2004 to 2018, we examine the long-run and short-run relationship amongst variables via the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). We also conduct Impulse Response analysis to examine the response of variables to economic shocks. We find that the real exchange rate, deposit interest rate, change in the gross domestic product are negatively associated with per contribution in the system. Moreover, the gold price index and the BIST 100 index are positively related to per contribution level. However, we do not find any significant relationship between per contribution and changes in the inflation rate. The government incentive shows no real additional movement in the system. Keywords: Cointegration, Private Pension Accounts, Vecm, Turkey