Covid-19 and bank deposits in Brazil

Abstract

This paper explores several perspectives on the surge in bank deposits experienced in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using branch-level data on bank deposits, I test if the growth of each of the analyzed deposits (saving, demand and term deposits) and of total deposits are related to a higher county exposure to the pandemic or a higher incidence of cash transfers of the program “emergency financial aid”. I also study the importance of systemically important banks on the growth of deposits.