Inflation can be defined as a sustained or continuous rise
in the general price level or, alternatively, as a sustained or continuous fall
in the value of money.
Several things should be noted about this definition. First,
inflation refers to the movement in the general level of prices. It does not
refer to changes in one price relative to other prices. These changes are
common even when the overall level of prices is stable and the rise in the
price level must be somewhat substantial and continue over a period longer than
a day, week, or month.
What
are the Causes/ Source of Inflation?
Economists wake up in the morning hoping for a chance to
debate the causes of inflation. There is no one cause that's universally agreed
upon, but at least two theories are generally accepted:
Demand-Pull Inflation
Cost-Push Inflation
What are the Costs/ affects of Inflation?
Almost everyone thinks inflation is
evil, but it isn't necessarily so. Inflation affects different people in
different ways. It also depends on whether inflation is anticipated or
unanticipated. If the inflation rate corresponds to what the majority of people
are expecting (anticipated inflation), then we can compensate and the cost
isn't high. For example, banks can vary their interest rates and workers can
negotiate contracts that include automatic wage hikes as the price level goes
up.
1. Creditors
lose and debtors gain if the lender does not anticipate inflation correctly.
For those who borrow, this is similar to getting an interest-free loan.
2. Uncertainty about what will happen next makes corporations and consumers less likely to spend. This hurts economic output in the long run.
3. People living off a fixed-income, such as retirees, see a decline in their purchasing power and, consequently, their standard of living.
4. The entire economy must absorb repricing costs ("menu costs") as price lists, labels, menus and more have to be updated.
5. If the inflation rate is greater than that of other countries, domestic products become less competitive.
2. Uncertainty about what will happen next makes corporations and consumers less likely to spend. This hurts economic output in the long run.
3. People living off a fixed-income, such as retirees, see a decline in their purchasing power and, consequently, their standard of living.
4. The entire economy must absorb repricing costs ("menu costs") as price lists, labels, menus and more have to be updated.
5. If the inflation rate is greater than that of other countries, domestic products become less competitive.
People often complain about prices
going up, but they often ignore the fact that wages should be rising as well.
The question shouldn't be whether inflation is rising, but whether it's rising
at a quicker pace than your wages.
Lastly, inflation is a sign that an economy is growing. In
some situations, little inflation (or even deflation) can be just as bad as
high inflation. The lack of inflation may be an indication that the economy is
weakening. As you can see, it's not so easy to label inflation as either good
or bad - it depends on the overall economy as well as your personal situation.