--%>
Assignment Help - homework help

Would inflation targeting be a good policy

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 Macroeconomics

  • Q : Signals that guide economic decisions

    In market economies, what are the signals which guide economic decisions?

    		•
  • Q : Subjective worth of Consumer Surplus

    The consumer gains from being capable to purchase at a single price rather than paying all that the particular quantity of the good is subjectively worth are: (i) Adverse selections. (ii) Market exploitation. (iii) Consumer surpluses. (iv) Moral hazards.

  • Q : Consumer Equilibrium when current

    Can someone please help me in finding out the accurate answer from the following question. When Brussels sprouts cost $1 per pound and tofu is $2 per pound and your marginal utilities (additional jollies) from either an additional pound of tofu or an additional pound

    		•
  • Q : Definition of shortage Definition of

    Definition of shortage: It is a condition in which quantity demanded is more than the quantity supplied. The sellers will respond to the shortage by increasing the price of the good till the market reaches the equi

    		•
  • Q : What is long run supply curve Please

    Please brief the knowledge what is long run supply?

    		•
  • Q : Receipts from taxes Why are receipts

    Why are receipts from taxes classified as revenue receipts? Answer: Receipts from taxes are classified as revenue receipts since they do not build liabilities nor r

    		•
  • Q : How central bank reduce the

    Describe any two measures by which a Central Bank can attempt to decrease the gap. Answer: Central bank can decrease this gap by adopting two measures illustrated b

    		•
  • Q : Recovery of loans-capital receipt Why

    Why is recovery of loans taken as a capital receipt? Answer: Recovery of loans is always treated as a capital receipt since it leads to refuse in financial assets o

    		•
  • Q : Why tax considered as revenue receipt

    Why is tax considered as revenue receipt? Answer: Since tax neither makes a liability for government nor decreases assets of the government.

    		•
  • Q : Effect of flood on demand Mold which

    Mold which destroyed the hamburger crop following a flood would be most probable to slash the demands for: (1) Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. (2) Soda pop and water. (3) Cucumbers, carrots, and egg plant. (4) Mustard and ketchup. (5) Tofu and sushi.

    		•