The optimal inflation rate is often considered to be around 2%. For example: The UK target inflation of 2% +/-1 The ECB target inflation of less than 2% US Federal Reserve target inflation of less than 2% (But from 2020 are likely to make inflation target symmetrical like the UK) Why Central Banks wish to …
The interest rate cycle is closely related to the economic or trade cycle. In theory, movements in interest rates should mirror the economic cycle. If the economy is growing strongly and inflationary pressures increasing – Central Banks will increase interest rates to slow down the economy and prevent inflation. If the economy enters into recession …
The March 1981 UK budget was controversial. In a period of rising unemployment, recession and high inflation. The government pursued deflationary fiscal policy trying to reduce inflation. The chancellor increased taxes by a total of £4 billion, with the aim of reducing inflation and reducing the budget deficit. Tax measures included A new 20% tax …
A look at the economic effects of a cut in interest rates. Summary Lower interest rates make it cheaper to borrow. This tends to encourage spending and investment. This leads to higher aggregate demand (AD) and economic growth. This increase in AD may also cause inflationary pressures. In theory, lower interest rates will: Reduce the …
The inflation rate measures the annual percentage rise in the cost of living. (CPI) A rise in the inflation rate – means prices are rising at a faster rate. Summary of higher inflation In the short-run, it is more likely the Central bank will increase interest rates to moderate the inflation rate. Savers who have …
Readers Question: Given the widely varying fiscal policies of countries, both left and right, how come their growth rates over the long term are so close? source: World Bank To some extent growth rates are close; though it also depends which data and countries you use. However, from a very broad perspective, growth rates do …
Interest rates determine the amount of interest payments that savers will receive on their deposits. An increase in interest rates will make saving more attractive and should encourage saving. A cut in interest rates will reduce the rewards of saving and will tend to discourage saving. However, in the real world, it is more complicated. …
An exchange rate index is a way of measuring the performance of a currency against a basket of other currencies. An exchange rate index shows the percentage change in the value of the currency against its main competitors. It sets the index to 100 for a particular base year. This enables users to make percentage …