--%>
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 : Depreciation of the euro change the

    If the European euro declines in value (depreciates) in the foreign exchange market, would it be easier or harder for the French to sell their wine in the United States?  Suppose you were planning a trip to Paris.  How would the depreciation of the euro chan

    		•
  • Q : Economic sense production methods

    Evaluate and explain the statements: “In the economic sense production methods are the most efficient methods, once resource prices are considered and are lesser in sense of engineering”.

    		•
  • Q : Individual sellers and buyers in

    Both individual sellers and buyers within perfect competition: w) can affect the market price through their own individual actions. x) can affect the market price by joining along with some of their competitors.  y) have to take the market price as a specified. z

    		•
  • Q : Divergences arise between equilibrium

    What divergences arise between equilibrium and an efficient output when spillover costs? How might government correct this divergence?

    		•
  • Q : Requirement of building blocks for a

    Building blocks for a capitalist system consist of: (1) supplies and demands. (2) private property rights. (3) laissez-faire policies. (4) market-determined outputs and prices. (5) All of the above. Please guys hel

    		•
  • 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 : Elucidate the various trade which

    Elucidate the various trade which enacted by governments?

    		•
  • Q : Other things equal assumption helps

    Explain the statement: “The other things equal assumption helps isolate key economic relationships.”?

    		•
  • Q : Explain the cause of Trade barriers

    Explain the cause of Trade barriers?

    		•
  • Q : Risky forms of production to gain

    Entrepreneurs: (w) undertake risky forms of production to gain uncertain profits. (x) obtain interest payments for their services. (y) are usually overcompensated for their innovations. (z) receive virtually all their wealth by inheritance.