Economics
The Economic Effects of Microfinance Programs in Developing Regions
Quick fact
Randomized evaluations of microcredit programs in India and Mexico found no strong evidence that access to microcredit alone significantly increased income or household consumption—yet it did lead to more business ownership and, in Mexico, higher trust and happiness.
Why this is interesting
You've probably heard that giving tiny loans to the poor can end poverty. But what if the biggest effect of microfinance isn't about business growth at all?