[nostrademons]

"When people save, it does not mean that they do not produce, merely that they are refraining from consumption."

Every transaction has two sides. Either somebody has to consume what you've just produced, or it goes into inventory. Inventory storage capacity is finite, and you see these major price crashes and production cuts (like in housing, or oil) when inventory reaches levels that are no longer sustainable.

[shader]

Certainly. But by saving you allow someone else to consume what you have produced, and you refrain from consuming things yourself. This permits businesses to invest in future production even if you don't personally do it.

Investment is a consumption, and it does involve risk. But to say that Americans in general need to take more risk with their money is rather foolish if you ask me. Especially when the aforementioned savings rate is at a paltry five percent.