--%>
Assignment Help - homework help

Formally adopt inflation targeting

Question: Why might it be difficult for the Fed to formally adopt inflation targeting?  Would inflation targeting be a good policy for the Fed in the present economic environment?

Answer:

The most important part of the inflation targeting debate is about the optimal level of inflation. While many people believe that it should be in the range of 2%, it is difficult to ascertain the actual optimal level. Again, if the rate is fixed to 2%, then the Fed will have limited scope for a cut back in the interest rates, which might be required periodically to boost investment. Another case in point is that empirical evidence has suggested that US has experienced lowest level of unemployment when the inflation rate was in the range of 3-5%.

Another problem is that the inflation targeting itself might not be efficient, asset price and hence the asset market control will also become important if the goals of inflation targeting are to be realized. In the present economic scenario, when the economy needs stimulus, and investment levels are quite low with high level of unemployment, inflation targeting does not seem to be a good policy measure. There is a need for an increase in the aggregate demand, which if materializes, will lead to an increase in inflation. And if inflation targeting is in place, the interest rates will have to be hiked, which will hamper recovery.

 

   Related Questions in Business Economics

  • Q : Describe Net income approach Briefly

    Briefly describe Net income approach? Named who recommended this theory?

    		•
  • Q : Meaning of invisible hand according to

    Adam Smith’s opinion of an “invisible hand” powerfully implies the meaning that: (w) pursuit of individual self interest must be controlled. (x) most people lose sight of what’s good for society. (y) most peopl

    		•
  • Q : Perfect competition and efficiency

    Which of the given describes a condition in which a good or service is produced at the lowest probable cost: w) productive efficiency. x) allocative efficiency. y) marginal efficiency. z) profit maximization Please

    		•
  • Q : Demand often exceeds supply and supply

    “In the corn market, demand often exceeds supply and supply sometimes exceeds demand.” “The price of corn rises and falls in response to changes in supply and demand.” Among these 2 statements used correctly which in the terms “supply&rdq

    		•
  • Q : Perfect competition leads the economic

    The perfectly competitive market structure benefits consumers since: w) firms do not generate goods at the lowest possible price within the long run. x) firms are forced through competitive pressure to be as efficient as possible. y) firms add a much

    		•
  • Q : Distribution of endowments 1. We have

    1. We have discussed the importance of resource endowments and institutions for an economy's successful development. a. In this game, what are the resources that make up the endowments, and what defines a given player's endowment o

    		•
  • Q : Illustrate 2nd function to promote and

    Illustrate the 2nd function to promote and maintain competition?

    		•
  • Q : What are the benefits and costs of

    What are the benefits and costs of Marginalism?

    		•
  • Q : History of King Louis world of commerce

    Early in the 18th century, a leading industrialist responded to an advisor of King Louis IV of France, who asked how the crown could most excellent facilitate the world of commerce, along with “Laissez nous faire,” that im

    		•
  • Q : Resources of private Capitalism I have

    I have a problem in economics on Resources of private Capitalism. Please help me in the following question. The Private individuals own most resources and find out how they will be employed in an economic system of: (1) Socialism. (2) Capitalism. (3)

    		•