Readers Question: I was really hoping you might be able to inform me of the effects that zero inflation (which the UK is currently experiencing) might have on aggregate demand in the economy? Firstly, this post will help consider the impact of zero inflation on AD and economic growth – Is zero inflation a good …
In the UK, there are quite a few different measures of inflation. All measures seek to show the annual change in living costs. However, different measures of inflation give different inflation figures. For example, RPI can often give a higher rate of inflation than CPI. CPI can also be misleading. For example, an increase in VAT …
Readers question: should the government focus on achieving a particular macroeconomic objective over the others? This is a good question. There is a lot that can be said because it encompasses so many different topics. Firstly, the three main macro-economic objectives: Higher economic growth Low inflation Low unemployment There are also less important objectives Reducing …
Readers Question: Would it be possible for a nation to claim that is reducing inflation rate successfully through economic measures, however at same time is allowing increase of commodities prices such as bread, meat, and etc… Firstly a fall in the inflation rate, means prices are still rising. Just at a slower rate. For example …
A concise definition of economics Economics is the study of how to deal with the problem of scarcity and opportunity cost of decisions. Economics is concerned with the optimal distribution of scarce resources in particular What to Produce? How to Produce? Whom to Produce? To this end, economists investigate economic decisions made by individuals, firms …
The ECB inflation target is 2% – ‘it aims to maintain inflation rates below, but close to, 2% over the medium term. ‘ However, some economists argue that in the current situation, the ECB should have a higher inflation target of 3-4%. The main reason for having a higher inflation rate would be to prioritise …
Readers Question: How does inflation targeting operate when there is a deflation? and what are the problems associated with this? It’s a good question to ask at the moment, especially with regard to the ECB and Eurozone. Firstly, the EU inflation target is – below but close to 2%. If inflation falls below 2%, the …
The Eurozone inflation rate is 0.4% (ECB database) (Sept 2014) Eurozone HCIP inflation rate HCIP (Harmonized consumer index prices) Source:| (ECB Inflation graphs, sometimes a few months outdated) Food inflation Food inflation is currently negative. Food inflation tends to be one of the most volatile components. This negative food inflation is one factor reducing the …