Which one of the following best describes the term Sticky Inflation?a)...
Sticky inflation has dashed the hopes of early rates cuts with experts now pencilling in repo rate cut by the RBI from December this year. Economists expect a shallow rate cut cycle with RBI likely to lower the repo rate by 75 – 100 basis points.
About Sticky Inflation
- Sticky inflation refers to a phenomenon where prices do not adjust quickly to changes in supply and demand, leading to persistent inflation.
Features of sticky inflation:
- Prices for goods or services that don't appear to be coming down anytime soon are considered sticky.
- Causes: Rising wages and prices for consumer goods and services are typically the main factors behind inflation stickiness.
- Prices for medical services, education, and housing are some of the most important factors that can contribute to sticky inflation.
- It erodes the purchasing power of consumers and puts pressure on housing affordability.
- Sticky inflation presents challenges for central banks in controlling inflation without causing a recession.
- To address sticky inflation, central banks usually raise interest rates.
- However, raising rates too fast can cause the economy to fall into a recession, while not raising them enough will allow prices to continue increasing.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
Which one of the following best describes the term Sticky Inflation?a)...
Sticky Inflation
Sticky inflation refers to a phenomenon which leads to persistent inflation. It is characterized by a situation where inflation remains high over an extended period of time, despite various measures taken to control it. This type of inflation is often difficult to bring down quickly and may require sustained efforts by policymakers.
Factors contributing to Sticky Inflation
- Cost-Push Inflation: When the cost of production increases due to factors like rising wages or raw material prices, it can lead to persistent inflation.
- Expectations: If businesses and consumers expect prices to continue rising, they may adjust their behavior accordingly, leading to a self-fulfilling cycle of inflation.
- Monetary Policy: In some cases, ineffective monetary policy or delays in implementing necessary measures can contribute to sticky inflation.
- External Shocks: Events like oil price hikes or global economic downturns can also contribute to persistent inflation.
Implications of Sticky Inflation
- Erodes purchasing power: High and persistent inflation can erode the purchasing power of consumers, leading to a decrease in real wages.
- Uncertainty: Businesses may find it challenging to plan for the future in an environment of sticky inflation, as pricing decisions become more difficult.
- Interest rates: Central banks may need to raise interest rates to control inflation, which can have implications for borrowing costs and economic growth.
In conclusion, sticky inflation poses challenges for policymakers and can have significant economic implications. It is essential to address the underlying factors contributing to persistent inflation to maintain price stability and sustainable economic growth.
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