1. Suppose that the Bank of Canada raises the interest rate at which the average household can borrow and lend. Assume that the typical household behaves according to Irving Fisher's two-period model, that consumption in both periods is a normal good, and that households are initially borrowers. Illustrate graphically how the increase in the interest rate in period one affects consumption in both periods.
2.a. What is “consumption smoothing”? Explain what key role “consumption smoothing” plays in the life-cycle hypothesis and the permanent-income hypothesis?
b. Assume you are a twenty-five year old who expects to work for 40 years and then enjoy 30 years of retirement. If you behave according to the life-cycle/permanent-income hypothesis, how would your current consumption change if:
1. You win $1,000,000 in the lottery this year.
2. You expect to get a $1,000,000 “signing bonus” when you get a job next year.