On Marx's Analysis of Money Hoarding in the Turnover of Capital

The formation of money hoards, which underpins the demand for money, is typically treated by mainstream monetary theory as originating in the motives of the rational individual. In contrast, Marx's discussion of money hoarding treats hoard formation as a necessary tendency of capitalist production and circulation rather than as a result of the individual's predilections. Based on Marx's analysis, this article identifies several structural reasons for money hoard formation in the circuit of capital. It is also shown that Marx's discussion, despite its insight, suffers from a technical error in analysing the overlapping of production and circulation time in the circuit, and in drawing the implications for hoarding. Finally, it is argued that the broader significance of capitalist money hoarding lies in the foundations it provides for the emergence of the credit system.     

Globalization and Contemporary Banking: On the Impact of New Technology

Technological innovation has contributed to recent changes inthe conduct and character of banking, but its impact has beencontradictory. First, money-dealing transactions have becomecheaper, but investment costs have increased and a broader rangeof services had to be provided. The cost efficiency of bankshas not improved. Second, banks have developed computationallyintensive, ‘arms length’ techniques to assess creditworthinessand manage risk. Thus, they have been able to generate new revenuestreams from lending to individuals and from fees for moneymarket mediation. This shift has signalled a decline of ‘relational’banking. Third, new technology and related practices have facilitatedthe entry of foreign banks into developing countries, wherethey can exploit ‘arms length’, technologicallydemanding niches in domestic markets. This has not improvedthe efficiency of host banking systems, nor increased the availabilityof credit to the productive sector.     

The Emergence of Money in Commodity Exchange,or Money as Monopolist of the Ability to Buy

Abstract

Money's emergence in commodity exchange remains an unresolved issue within economic theory. Current general equilibrium models offer an explanation that rests on the economic advantages of a universally accepted means of exchange that is partly established through social custom. These models neither fully explain money's unique ability to buy, nor theorise the customary practices required for money's emergence. They are dominated by Menger's earlier analysis of money's emergence, which pays more attention to the social foundations of money but is still hampered by Austrian individualism. An alternative explanation is given here, drawing on Marx's theory of value but involving a thorough reworking of it. An analytical process is established through which money finally emerges as monopolist of the ability to buy. Particular social custom, whose determinants are consistent with the social underpinnings of commodity exchange, plays a vital role in money's emergence.