Inflation
AUTHOR SURAJ SONAWANE
The Road Ahead
HARDEN, B. et al (2023) say that the Inflation Reduction Act is a proposed legislation in the United States that includes several provisions related to the automotive industry. One of the provisions in the Act is the creation of “vehicle and related credits” that would be granted to manufacturers of advanced vehicles and related technologies. The purpose of these credits is to incentivize the development and production of vehicles that are more fuel-efficient, emit fewer greenhouse gases, and use alternative energy sources. The credits would be awarded based on the number of advanced vehicles produced, with higher credits given for vehicles that meet more stringent criteria. The Act also includes provisions for the creation of a “Green Bank” that would provide financing for clean energy projects, including those related to the automotive industry. The Green Bank would be authorized to provide loans, loan guarantees, and other forms of financial support to companies developing and producing advanced vehicles and related technologies. the vehicle and related credits and the creation of a Green Bank are aimed at promoting the development and adoption of cleaner and more sustainable transportation options in the United States.
Inflation and the U.S. Economy in 2022
JAHROMI, A. A.; MIHAI, M. M.; TONGYANG YANG et al (2023) state that Inflation is a measure of how much the prices of goods and services in an economy are rising over time. In the United States, inflation is typically measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the prices of a basket of goods and services commonly purchased by consumers. inflation has been a concern for policymakers and economists due to its potential to erode the purchasing power of consumers and businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the U.S. economy, leading to disruptions in supply chains and changes in consumer behavior. In 2022, it is possible that the U.S. economy will continue to experience some inflationary pressures, although the extent of these pressures will depend on a range of factors, including the pace of economic growth, the availability of goods and services, and the actions of policymakers. To address inflation, policymakers may use a variety of tools, including adjusting interest rates, increasing government spending, and implementing regulations to control prices
High Inflation
BHAMRA, H. S. et al (2023) says that High Inflation and Default Risk: Inflation can impact default risk in various ways. When inflation rises rapidly, it can erode the purchasing power of individuals and businesses. This can lead to reduced consumer spending, lower corporate profits, and potential financial distress for borrowers. As a result, the default risk of loans and bonds may increase. Higher inflation can also affect interest rates, making it more expensive for borrowers to service their debt, which can further raise the risk of default. High Inflation and Equity Valuations: Equity valuations refer to the prices at which stocks are traded in the financial markets. Inflation can have mixed effects on equity valuations. On one hand, higher inflation can increase the nominal revenues and profits of companies, which may support higher stock prices. However, if inflation is accompanied by higher interest rates and a slowdown in economic growth, it can negatively impact corporate earnings and investor sentiment, leading to lower equity valuations. It’s worth noting that the relationship between inflation, default risk, and equity valuations is complex and can vary depending on the specific economic conditions and market dynamics. The findings and conclusions of any research paper on this topic would depend on the methodology, data, and analysis employed by the researchers.
Gender Differences in Inflation Expectations: Recent Evidence from India.
CHALWADI, S. V. et al. (2023) state that Gender differences in inflation expectations refer to variations in how men and women perceive and anticipate changes in future inflation rates. Research suggests that gender can play a role in shaping individuals’ expectations about inflation, although the specific findings may vary across different countries and contexts. In the case of India, a research paper on gender differences in inflation expectations would likely investigate whether men and women in India have different views on future inflation rates, and if so, what factors contribute to these differences. Some potential factors that could be examined in such a study include: Socioeconomic Factors: Differences in education, income levels, employment patterns, and financial literacy between men and women might influence their understanding and perception of inflation. Household Roles and Responsibilities: Gender roles within households can impact individuals’ exposure to price changes and their perception of inflation. For instance, if women are primarily responsible for managing household finances and expenditures, they may have a more accurate understanding of price changes and inflation. Media and Information Sources: The sources of information individuals rely on to form their inflation expectations can differ by gender, which might contribute to variations in their views
An Inflation Primer
GRABLE, J. E. el at (2023) state that the Inflation is an increase in the general level of prices in an economy. When the inflation rate is positive, the purchasing power of money falls because more money is required to purchase the same basket of goods as time goes on. Although economists disagree about what the optimal inflation rate should be, inflation can be very harmful. Inflation, the change in an economy’s price level, can be explained by changes in money supply growth, changes in velocity growth, or changes in output growth. Although central banks cannot determine inflation over very short periods, they determine the path of inflation because of their control over monetary policy. High inflation, especially when unexpected, can be immensely harmful to society.
International Inflation Spill overs from a Flight to Safe Assets
DAS, M. el at (2023) says that Inflation spillovers refer to the transmission of inflationary pressures from one country to another. These spillover effects can occur through various channels, such as trade, financial linkages, or changes in investor behavior. When there is a flight to safe assets, it typically involves a shift of investments towards relatively low-risk and highly liquid assets, such as government bonds of economically stable countries. This flight to safety can be triggered by global economic uncertainties, financial crises, or geopolitical events a research paper on international inflation spillovers from a flight to safe assets would likely explore how the shift in investment patterns affects inflation dynamics across countries. It may examine how changes in global investor sentiment and asset allocation decisions impact inflation expectations and actual inflation rates in different economies. Inflation Contagion: The research may analyze whether changes in inflation in one country, driven by the flight to safe assets, can influence inflation dynamics in other countries. This could occur through various channels, such as changes in exchange rates, trade flows, or commodity prices. Monetary Policy Implications: The paper may also investigate how central banks in different countries respond to inflation spillovers resulting from the flight to safe assets. It could examine whether central banks need to adjust their policy tools or coordination strategies to manage the potential effects of these spillovers on domestic inflation and economic stability.
Inflation’s Role in Tertiary Enrollment
HAUBRICK, H. el at (2023) says that the impact of inflation on tertiary enrollment can vary across different countries and contexts. Inflation refers to the sustained increase in the overall price level of goods and services in an economy over time. It can affect households’ purchasing power and their ability to afford higher education expenses, including tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational resources. Affordability and Access: Higher inflation rates can increase the cost of education, making it more challenging for students and their families to afford tertiary education. This, in turn, may lead to reduced enrollment rates or hinder access to higher education, particularly for economically disadvantaged individuals. Opportunity Cost: Inflation can also influence individuals’ decisions regarding tertiary education. Higher inflation may lead some individuals to prioritize immediate employment or alternative educational pathways rather than pursuing higher education, which typically requires a significant investment of time and money. Government Policies and Financial Aid: The paper may explore the role of government policies and financial aid programs in mitigating the impact of inflation on tertiary enrollment. For example, governments may adjust financial aid programs or introduce subsidies to make higher education more accessible and affordable during periods of high inflation.
Commonalities in the Movements of Inflation Rates among Countries in the East African Community.
HACKER, R. S.; UMULISA, Y. el at (2023) state that the East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization composed of six countries in East Africa: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The research paper you mentioned likely investigates the similarities or commonalities in the movements of inflation rates among these countries. Economic Integration and Trade: The paper may examine the impact of economic integration within the EAC on inflation rates. The harmonization of trade policies, reduction of trade barriers, and increased cross-border trade can influence inflation dynamics across member countries. Monetary Policy Coordination: The research might investigate whether there are coordinated efforts among the central banks of EAC countries to manage inflation. This can involve examining the use of similar monetary policy instruments, interest rate adjustments, or coordination of inflation targets. Regional Shocks and Transmission Mechanisms: The paper may analyze how common shocks or events within the region, such as changes in commodity prices, exchange rate fluctuations, or regional conflicts, affect inflation rates across member countries. It might also explore the channels through which these shocks are transmitted and how they impact inflation.
Inflation and globalisation
JAMES, H. el at (2023) says that economies and societies worldwide through the flow of goods, services, capital, information, and technology. Inflation, as mentioned earlier, refers to the sustained increase in the overall price level of goods and services in an economy over time. Trade and Inflation: Globalization, particularly the growth of international trade, can influence inflation. Increased trade openness can expose domestic economies to imported inflation, where changes in global commodity prices or exchange rates affect the cost of imported goods and materials. This can impact domestic inflation rates. Supply Chain Dynamics: The paper might investigate how globalization affects the structure and dynamics of supply chains, which can have implications for inflation. Global supply chains involve the sourcing of inputs and components from different countries. Disruptions in these supply chains, such as natural disasters, political events, or pandemics, can lead to supply shortages, price fluctuations, and potential inflationary pressures. Capital Flows and Monetary Policy: Globalization can affect capital flows, with cross-border investments and financial integration influencing domestic monetary conditions. The research might explore how these capital flows, particularly in the form of foreign direct investment or portfolio investment, impact domestic inflation and the effectiveness of monetary policy
Financial shocks and inflation dynamics
ABBATE, A.; EICKMEIER, S.; PRIETO, E. el at (2023) state that financial shocks refer to unexpected disruptions or disturbances in financial markets or institutions that can have significant effects on the broader economy. Inflation dynamics, as mentioned earlier, refer to the patterns and mechanisms by which inflation evolves over time.Transmission Channels: The paper might investigate how financial shocks are transmitted to the real economy and influence inflation. Financial shocks can affect inflation through various channels, including changes in borrowing costs, credit availability, asset prices, exchange rates, and investor confidence. Monetary Policy Response: The research may examine how central banks or monetary authorities respond to financial shocks and their implications for inflation. Monetary policy measures, such as interest rate adjustments, liquidity provision, or regulatory interventions, can influence inflation dynamics in the face of financial shocks. Expectations and Inflation Persistence: The paper might analyze how financial shocks affect inflation expectations and their impact on inflation persistence
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, inflation and deflation are two important economic concepts that reflect changes in the overall price level of goods and services in an economy. Inflation is a rise in prices that can erode the purchasing power of a unit of currency over time, while deflation is a decline in prices that can increase the purchasing power of a currency. Both inflation and deflation can have significant impacts on the economy, including affecting interest rates, investment, and consumer behavior. Central banks and governments use various tools and policies to try to manage and control inflation and deflation, with the aim of maintaining price stability and supporting economic growth. The transmission mechanisms of inflation highlight the interconnectedness of various sectors and economies. Inflation can persist due to a variety of factors, and spillover effects can propagate across sectors and even internationally. Recognizing these transmission mechanisms is vital for policymakers to make informed decisions and maintain price stability. This knowledge is valuable for policymakers, businesses, and individuals to navigate the complexities of inflation and foster macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth. Inflation directly affected to consumer equilibrium. At the time of inflation increases the prices of commodities increases which reduce the purchasing power of the consumers, and consumers have to reduce the consumption. Inflation has another bad side-effect…once people start to expect inflation, they will spend now rather than later. That’s because they know things will only cost more later. This consumer spending heats up the economy even more, leading to further inflation. This situation is known as spiraling inflation because it spirals out of control.
Reference
ABBATE, A.; EICKMEIER, S.; PRIETO, E. el at (2023) Financial shocks and inflation dynamics. Macroeconomic Dynamics, [s. l.], v. 27, n. 2, p. 350–378, 2023. DOI 10.1017/S1365100521000444. Disponível em: https://discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=0cf0e15d-71f4-3f6c-a73d-1e09a2e8c3a2. Acesso em: 6 maio. 2023.
BHAMRA, H. S. et al (2023) High Inflation: Low Default Risk and Low Equity Valuations. Review of Financial Studies, [s. l.], v. 36, n. 3, p. 1192–1252, 2023. DOI 10.1093/rfs/hhac021. Disponível em: https://discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=a948c09e-b1b1-3d20-b7c3-c82332f3ccdd. Acesso em: 6 maio. 2023.
CHALWADI, S. V. et al. (2023) Gender Differences in Inflation Expectations: Recent Evidence from India. Administrative Sciences (2076-3387), [s. l.], v. 13, n. 2, p. 60, 2023. DOI 10.3390/admsci13020060. Disponível em: https://discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=e378ba6b-3f0a-3118-86e4-46171703b01c. Acesso em: 6 maio. 2023.
DAS, M. (2023) International Inflation Spillovers from a Flight to Safe Assets. International Advances in Economic Research, [s. l.], v. 29, n. 1/2, p. 95–97, 2023. DOI 10.1007/s11294-023-09866-x. Disponível em: https://discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=b0163fdc-0efe-32ba-b5ca-3153000b8b49. Acesso em: 6 maio. 2023.
GRABLE, J. E. el at (2023) An Inflation Primer. Journal of Financial Service Professionals, [s. l.], v. 75, n. 5, p. 11–14, 2021. Disponível em: https://discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=ba59c748-9eda-3d07-af2b-2f3cd28f634f. Acesso em: 6 maio. 2023.
HACKER, R. S.; UMULISA, Y. el at (2023) Commonalities in the Movements of Inflation Rates among Countries in the East African Community. Emerging Markets Finance & Trade, [s. l.], v. 58, n. 9, p. 2493–2504, 2022. DOI 10.1080/1540496X.2021.1997738. Disponível em: https://discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=530b1a38-6f61-34fb-aa13-20ddabe48374. Acesso em: 6 maio. 2023.
HARDEN, B. (2023)The Road Ahead: Vehicle and Related Credits from the Inflation Reduction Act. Journal of Financial Service Professionals, [s. l.], v. 77, n. 3, p. 12–15, 2023. Disponível em: https://discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=a3c04e78-8926-3fae-92ba-ed0126fb082c. Acesso em: 6 maio. 2023.
HAUBRICK, H. el at (2023) Inflation’s Role in Tertiary Enrollment: A Global Study. Atlantic Economic Journal, [s. l.], v. 50, n. 3/4, p. 175–177, 2022. DOI 10.1007/s11293-022-09754-5. Disponível em: https://discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=4b4c46a3-4b01-349b-9cec-35df1b7d6a9b. Acesso em: 6 maio. 2023.
JAHROMI, A. A.; MIHAI, M. M.; TONGYANG YANG. Inflation and the U.S. Economy in 2022. Journal of Financial Service Professionals, [s. l.], v. 77, n. 1, p. 10–16, 2023. Disponível em: https://discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=f54a0195-d171-34a3-ae9b-79d8d9c9b70c. Acesso em: 6 maio. 2023.
JAMES, H. el at (2023) Inflation and globalisation: The Tawney Lecture 2022. Economic History Review, [s. l.], v. 76, n. 2, p. 391–412, 2023. DOI 10.1111/ehr.13174. Disponível em: https://discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=594f4066-b429-3f26-9ef6-9421f2755014. Acesso em: 6 maio. 2023.