--%>
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 : Who is a normal resident Normal

    Normal resident: The persons or an institution who lives in a country and whose centre of interest lies in that country is termed as a normal resident of that country.

    		•
  • Q : Main advantage of EVA The main

    The main advantage of using EVA is that it is simple to calculate and understand. It uses simple measures like operating profits and cost of capital terms which are widely known and accepted in the financial arena. It helps the managers to assess thei

    		•
  • Q : Define cyclical fluctuations Define

    Define cyclical fluctuations?

    		•
  • Q : When are transaction costs to ultimate

    Transaction costs to ultimate consumers are reduced if: (w) consumers travel long distances to buy directly from manufacturers quite than buying the goods at local retail stores. (x) intermediaries generate income while conveying goods from manufactur

    		•
  • Q : Illustrate the characteristics of the

    Illustrate the characteristics of the Market System?

    		•
  • Q : The Federal corporate income tax Use

    Use the circular flow model to confirm this assertion for a 2% reduction in the Federal corporate income tax.

    		•
  • Q : Market structure and pricing decision

    Just need help to see if I am in the right direction if there any think wrong need help with it.

    		•
  • Q : What are the benefits and costs of

    What are the benefits and costs of Marginalism?

    		•
  • Q : Illustrate Scarcity and choice of

    Illustrate Scarcity and choice of Economic Perspective?

    		•
  • Q : Describe advertising costs or

    Advertising costs or persuasive advertising: When the expenses incurred by a find to persuade the potential consumer to present their brands or products as different or better compared to another brands or products is termed as advertising costs or pe

    		•