In recent years, progress in digitalisation and foreign direct investment has caused many structural changes, reorganisation in economics, rising productivity, globalisation, and increasing trade or international investment flows, which have led to increased capital flows and information availability. Therefore, this research investigated the impact of digitalisation and foreign direct investment on economic growth in developed countries. Panel data analysis was applied to data of 16 developed countries, from 2006 until 2019. The findings show that digitalisation - presented by mobile cellular and internet users - and foreign direct investment positively impacted economic growth, thus they strongly contribute to advancing the economy and increasing welfare. Therefore, developed countries have been learning about the critical role of technology and capital, as stated by economists over several decades, and developing countries can copy their policies into their own economic strategies.

Purpose The persistent increase in household indebtedness is an alarming issue that is becoming a major concern for economists and governments in developing nations. Although household consumption is an essential source of economic growth, households’ failure to meet their financial obligations will be one of the causes of economic problems if the increase in consumption is largely financed by household borrowing. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the nexus between households’ indebtedness and consumption and the roles of household characteristics. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a microdata set of the Household Expenditure and Income Survey in 2019, which contained a simple random sampling of 4,730 households. Findings Using a simultaneous equations model, our results show a negative nexus between households’ consumption and their indebtedness. We find that household savings and size have an indirect impact on the debt service ratio, while the assets and total debt repayment instalments indirectly influence household consumption. We also identify differences in the relationship between the gender of the household head, rural and urban locations and income groups in consumption and indebtedness. Research limitations/implications The implication of this study is that governments should adopt several programmes to increase the awareness of household financial and debt management, especially for those in the low-income group. Originality/value This study contributes to the empirical literature by establishing a microeconomic perspective of consumption and an indebtedness model focusing on the differences in household characteristics in explaining consumption and indebtedness.