Authors
Joel Rabinovich
Publication date
2021/7/3
Journal
Journal of Post Keynesian Economics
Volume
44
Issue
3
Pages
434-462
Publisher
Routledge
Description
The high level of profits along with low levels of gross physical investment has been characterized as a puzzle in heterodox economics. One of the most extended answers at the firm level is that changes in corporate governance have altered the objectives of the firm toward profits, rather than growth. However, once it is acknowledged that investment becomes the basis upon which companies supply commodities as well as compete with other firms, an ever decreasing rate of investment should not be compatible with permanent high levels of profits. This is what we call the ‘supply-side’ face of the investment-profit puzzle. The article builds on the post-Keynesian theory of the firm and its investment decision and explores different answers already linked to the financialisation literature such as changes brought about by production outsourcing, increased market power, the attack on labor conditions and financial …
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