--%>
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 : Explain about the marginalism theory

    Most economists believe such that people increase an activity when they perceive the expected additional benefits as exceeding the expected extra cost, but decrease their level of an activity whenever they believe the benefits from the last few units of the activity a

    		•
  • Q : Meaning of Cash Reserve Ratio or CRR

    Meaning of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): It is the percentage of net or total deposits of commercial bank that are maintained by RBI.

    		•
  • Q : Help The demand for a resource will

    The demand for a resource will increase if the

    		•
  • Q : Control of Inflation Economists agree

    Economists agree that inflation beyond a moderate rate is undesirable as it can often prove disastrous and therefore, it must be kept under control. Economists agree also that an appropriate mix of fiscal and monetary policies can be helpful in controlling inflation.

    		•
  • Q : Important issues in Macroeconomics to

    Macroeconomics is primarily focused on issues about: (w) economy extensive aggregate variables as like national income. (x) the structure of economic activity quite than its level. (y) resource allocations through households and business firms. (z) po

    		•
  • Q : Custodian of nations foreign exchange

    Name the institution that acts as a custodian of nation’s foreign exchange reserves? Answer: The Central Bank is an institution that acts as custodian of natio

    		•
  • Q : The failure of the Supercommittee

    Question: Some commentators have argued that the failure of the "Supercommittee" is good thing for the economy?  Do you argree? Answer:

    Q : Demand curves when longer periods are

    Whenever longer periods are considered and hence bigger ranges of adjustments (that is, substitutions) become probable, demand curves tend to become: (i) Flatter, and therefore do supply curves. (ii) Flatter, as supply curves become steeper. (iii) Ste

    		•
  • Q : Supply factors in economic growth

    Briefly explain the four supply factors in economic growth?

    		•
  • Q : Interpreting Macroeconomic Conditions I

    I have a problem in an assignment which involves analyzing interest rates, the CPI(consumer price index) and wage rates as they impact the automotive and gaming (with an emphasis on casinos) industries. Analyze these indicators and prepare a 3-4 page report explaining

    		•