--%>
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 : Limitation of intermediaries for

    Intermediaries do not classically: (w) reduce transaction costs. (x) absorb risk. (y) try to make profits. (z) cause prices to be more volatile. I need a good answer on the topic of Economic problems. Please give m

    		•
  • Q : Define the term invisible hand in

    The “invisible hand” of the marketplace is a word referring to consider as: (w) government policies to set market prices at equilibrium levels. (x) speculative manipulations which create disequilibrium. (y) automatic adjus

    		•
  • Q : Demand supply with the aim of diagrams

    with the aim of diagrams show the difference between A change in demand and A change in quantity demand

    		•
  • Q : Rivalry for various types of resources

    Intermediaries ultimately prosper only when they give a service of decreasing: (1) demand for a good (2) prices paid to manufacturers of a good. (3) transaction costs. (4) rivalry for various types of resources. (5) cut-throat competition into markets

    		•
  • Q : Consumer purchase decision If the price

    If the price of a good is given, how does a consumer choose/decide as to how much of that good to purchase?

    		•
  • Q : Problem on utility function Matt’s life

    Matt’s life is divided into two time periods, young and old, and his utility is a function of two “goods”:  consumption when young and consumption whenever old.  Consumption when young and consumption when old are both of normal goods to Ma

    		•
  • Q : Prices are the automatic regulator

    “Prices are the automatic regulator that tends to keep production and consumption in line with each other.”  Explain.

    		•
  • Q : Good economic policy requires good

    Explain the statement: “Good economic policy requires good economic theory.”?

    		•
  • Q : International Trade & Globalization

    Question: 1.   Long-term Growth, International Trade & Globalization a.   In terms of understanding the importance of trade to an economy, the most impor

    		•
  • Q : How might government correct this

    What divergences arise between equilibrium and an efficient output spillover benefits are present?  How might government correct this divergence?

    		•