Financial Development And Economic Growth In The Gcc Countries

Understanding the causal relationship between financial development and economic growth is important in enhancing the economy of a nation. A panel data approach is used to provide evidence for the dynamic relationship. The paper provides empirical support that stock market development is cointegrated with economic growth in the GCC countries. Granger-causality test further reveals that stock market development Granger-causes economic growth in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait countries. On the other hand, economic development promotes financial development in countries like Qatar, UAE, and Oman. Hence, this study provides empirical evidence in favor of both supply-leading and demand-leading growth hypothesis.