In economics, inflation describes a general increase in the value of a country’s currency over a given period of time. The general idea behind inflation is that people in money want to buy more of it so they can use it to buy things when they get some money. In the long run, this leads to the economy being able to use its resources more productively and ultimately to help it produce higher economic growth rates. In short, inflation helps you earn more money. Let us further define the concept in the best possible terms.
Inflation is a term used by central banks to describe the gradual rise of prices across the board. Inflation is commonly caused by two main factors: changes in monetary policy by the central banks and the state of the overall economy. Changes in monetary policy may be related to fundamental economic factors or it may be the result of political constraints.
On the one hand, the central bank controls the supply of money to control inflation. The rate at which the supply is changed may vary depending on the state of the overall economy or on the changes in the domestic market. For example, when the central bank raises the base rate (the rate at which banks give loans to each other) it increases the supply. The impact of the increase in supply is felt most directly by the consumers, since the supply is directly linked to the demand. So when there is a rise in demand, the supply goes up too, leading to price rises.
On the other hand, deflation describes a condition where the aggregate demand is falling. A fall in aggregate demand leads to falling prices. This condition is sometimes called deflation because the central bank is forced to tighten the money supply in order to prevent deflation. The effects of deflation are often more significant than that of inflation. This is why a rise in inflation is considered a stimulant for the economy while a fall in deflation is considered a deflationary condition.
The rise and fall in commodity and energy prices that we see is caused by the state of the overall economy. When commodity and energy prices fall, the effect on the economy is lessened but when they rise, the effect is usually more radical. In fact, it may not only lead to a fall in commodity and energy prices but to a recession if the overall economy falls into recession.
The central bank can respond to inflationary or deflationary conditions by changing the supply of money and its interest rates. However, this may only be effective if the government also intends to change the overall domestic spending habits of the citizens. Inflation can be controlled by a central bank by resorting to various tools such as interest rates, fiscal stimulus, debt management, etc. These are mainly designed to alter the behavior of the public through the manipulation of the quantities of money supply. The aim of these tools is to stabilize or return to previous levels of inflation or deflation once the general macroeconomic conditions deteriorate. Inflation can only be checked by means of open market operations such as futures trading, foreign currency exchange, and forward contracts.
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Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.