The causes of inflation in the long run and in the short run
Over the long-term, several years and longer, prices increase because the supply of money in the economy is expanding, i.e. because central banks print more cash. There may be other reasons for inflation in the short run but over longer stretches of time printing money is the only cause of inflation.
Why do central banks print money? The reason is that they try to maintain low and stable inflation and expand money supply accordingly. Zero inflation is not desired as the economy may slip into deflation. In other, more extreme cases, when the government cannot collect enough tax revenue and cannot keep its spending in check, it often pressures the central bank of the country to print cash and pay the government bills. The consequence of such policies is high inflation.
Inflation causes in the short run
In the long run inflation is produced by expanding money supply. In the short run, however, prices can fluctuate considerably because of other forces. We’ll name a few.
The business cycle. During rapid economic expansions when the economy operates almost at capacity and unemployment is very low, companies have to compete for workers by paying higher wages. They also pay more for various inputs such as raw materials. Real estate becomes more scarce and rent payments increase. Some of those price increases are passed on to the retail level causing inflation. When the economy cools downs, price increases subside.
The price of oil or other commodities. An increase in the price of an important product can bump up all prices in the economy. For example, if the price of oil increases this affects the vast majority of companies as their transport cost increases. That could be passed on to consumers on the retail level causing inflation.
Exchange rates. Changes in the exchange rates can be another source of inflation. Most countries import many of the products they consume: food, home equipment, cars, etc. If the exchange rate depreciates, then the prices of all those products would tend to increase lifting the overall price level.
Why do central banks print money? The reason is that they try to maintain low and stable inflation and expand money supply accordingly. Zero inflation is not desired as the economy may slip into deflation. In other, more extreme cases, when the government cannot collect enough tax revenue and cannot keep its spending in check, it often pressures the central bank of the country to print cash and pay the government bills. The consequence of such policies is high inflation.
Inflation causes in the short run
In the long run inflation is produced by expanding money supply. In the short run, however, prices can fluctuate considerably because of other forces. We’ll name a few.
The business cycle. During rapid economic expansions when the economy operates almost at capacity and unemployment is very low, companies have to compete for workers by paying higher wages. They also pay more for various inputs such as raw materials. Real estate becomes more scarce and rent payments increase. Some of those price increases are passed on to the retail level causing inflation. When the economy cools downs, price increases subside.
The price of oil or other commodities. An increase in the price of an important product can bump up all prices in the economy. For example, if the price of oil increases this affects the vast majority of companies as their transport cost increases. That could be passed on to consumers on the retail level causing inflation.
Exchange rates. Changes in the exchange rates can be another source of inflation. Most countries import many of the products they consume: food, home equipment, cars, etc. If the exchange rate depreciates, then the prices of all those products would tend to increase lifting the overall price level.
See all articles
See all indicators