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Each week our two teenagers debate a hot topic. This week ...
Ronald Ling Pak-ki
Some people say we should spend more to stimulate the economy, but I think we should save at this moment.
Money is a medium of exchange, but it's also a way of storing value.
When we save money, we are increasing our purchasing power.
If we spend the money as soon as we have it, we are converting the money into goods. If they are not necessities, then they are goods whose value will decrease over time.
The question is what to do with the money we save. In normal circumstances, it would be sensible to channel the money into financial markets, by investing in stocks and bonds, which stimulates the economy.
However, holding assets like shares and bonds is too risky right now.
We should hold on to money as it is probably the most stable asset and it has liquidity.
In conclusion, we should minimise our spending in order to store our purchasing power for future investment. This is, in my opinion, the best way to help the economy.
Anthea Wong
With the financial crisis threatening the world economy, stock prices continue to plunge, significantly reducing many people's savings.
As a result, many consumers are trying to save money by spending less, and shopping malls - usually bustling - are unusually quiet during this pre-Christmas sale period.
However, there are many reasons why we should be spending not saving.
In 2003, following the outbreak of Sars, the economy was ravaged and Hong Kong had high unemployment rates.
The central government came to the rescue by allowing more mainlanders to come to Hong Kong as tourists. As tourists spent money, employment rates increased drastically. Similarly, if we spend more money now, it will have the same effect on the economy.
In the current economic recession, many countries' governments are co-operating in an unprecedented manner by decreasing interest rates.
The effect of interest rate reductions will reduce people's debts, leaving them more money to spend. This should generate more demand for goods and services, which would boost the economy.
If everyone puts their money in the bank instead of spending it, businesses will be forced to close, creating unemployment.



Should we spend or  save to help the economy?