Introduction
Countries have been thrown into protracted periods of insecurity due to inflation. Inflation is defined as the rate at which prices rise over time. Moreover, inflation is usually explained as a broad measure of price increases or increasing living costs in a nation. It can, however, be computed more precisely for particular items, such as foodstuffs, or services, like transportation. Inflation, in any context, refers to how much more costly one specific category of products and services has gotten over a particular period, most typically a year.
Discussion
Inflation is not always a terrible thing for the economy. Early phases of inflation, for example, can have beneficial impacts on a country’s entire economy. Inflation provides additional incentives for investors and businessmen to participate in economic activities, and as a result, they get better returns. Furthermore, due to the increased demand, producers can offer their products at more outstanding prices, leading to more considerable earnings (International Monetary Fund, 2021). Inflation’s medium and long-term effects, on the other hand, deter investors, resulting in poor or stopped growth in the economy.
The government and the central bank work together to keep inflation under control. Monetary and fiscal policies are two fundamental ways to keep inflation low and stable. Anchoring inflation expectations, which is a condition in which inflation is regarded near the Central Bank target and typically matches what consumers anticipate, is one of the other possible measures. Furthermore, anchored expectations allow governments more leeway to undertake demand-stimulating policies. For example, anchored expectations may lead to a reduction in interest rates by the central bank, which will boost investment demand without significantly influencing inflation. De-anchoring occurs when prices and people’s perceptions move in opposite directions. Inflation rises swiftly during de-anchoring and becomes difficult to regulate (International Monetary Fund, 2021). The Central Bank must respond effectively to stabilize inflation expectations in these circumstances.
The steady rise of inflation across the world is major as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. According to the International Monetary Fund forecasts, inflation will continue to rise until 2022, when it will return to pre-pandemic levels. However, some elements could keep inflation high for a long time. Long-term supply constraints and rising housing costs are examples of such causes. High food prices and plummeting currency values may be contributory causes in developing countries (International Monetary Fund, 2021). While there is no definitive answer for the future of inflation, there are plenty of clues. Prices will remain steady if policymakers pay attention to the indications and implement sensible policies and appropriate actions.
I agree with the speaker’s points of view since the information in the video is accurate, and the speaker supports her comments with examples. The orator says that policymakers are critical in stabilizing inflation (International Monetary Fund, 2021). Furthermore, the presentation is clear and well-structured for easy understanding and detailed points. The speaker not only states the problem but offers remedies to combat inflation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the impact of the pandemic on supply chain operations, energy pricing, cost of transportation, and consumer spending behaviors is expected to take a year (or more) to normalize. Effective policies and conditions will most likely prevent inflation from returning to pre-pandemic levels. The fact of the matter is that consumers may rest assured that unreasonable price rises will not continue indefinitely. The pandemic appears to be diminishing, and soaring inflation is expected to follow suit.
Reference
International Monetary Fund. (2021). Analyze this! Inflation[Video]. IMF Videos.