When the inflation rate increases, what happens to the federal funds rate? Operationally, how does the Fed adjust the federal funds rate?

Short Answer

Expert verified

In reaction to rising inflation, the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates. This will put an end to the cycle of rising inflation. To address this issue, the Fed will utilise open market operations to sell bonds in the market, reducing the money supply and raising the Fed fund rate.

Step by step solution

01

Concept introduction

Inflation is defined as an increase in the general price level of an economy. Inflation produces a rise in the price of products and services, reducing an economic agent's purchasing power.

02

Explanation of solution

A rise in inflation would result in a drop in real interest rates, which would lead to an increase in output, a rise in inflation, and yet another drop in real interest rates, resulting in even higher inflation.

The following equation can be used to compute the real interest rate:

r=r¯+λπ

Where

- r represents the real interest rate.

- component r¯is Autonomous

- λis the real interest rate's responsiveness to inflation.

- The rate of inflation is π.

Increases in the federal funds rate in response to rising inflation will put an end to the cycle of rising inflation. The Fed will address this issue through open market operations, which will involve selling bonds in the market to reduce money supply and raise the Fed fund rate.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Consider an economy described by the following:

C=\(3.25trillionI=\)1.3trillionG=\(3.5trillionT=\)3.0trillionNX=-$1.0trillionf=1mpc=0.75d=0.3x=0.1l=1r=1

a. Derive expressions for the MP curve and the AD curve.

b. Assume that π=1. Calculate the real interest rate, the equilibrium level of output, consumption, planned investment, and net exports.

c. Suppose the Fed increases r to r = 2. Calculate the real interest rate, the equilibrium level of output, consumption, planned investment, and net exports at this new level of r.

d. Considering that output, consumption, planned investment, and net exports all decreased in part (c), why might the Fed choose to increase r?

How does an autonomous tightening or easing of monetary policy by the Fed affect the MP curve?

How is an autonomous tightening or easing of monetary policy different from a change in the real interest rate caused by a change in the current inflation rate?

Consider the economy described in Applied Problem 23.

a. Derive expressions for the MP curve and the AD

curve.

b. Assume that p = 2. What are the real interest rate

and the equilibrium level of output?

c. Suppose government spending increases to $4 trillion.

What happens to equilibrium output?

d. If the Fed wants to keep output constant, then what

monetary policy change should it make?

Consider the economy described in Applied Problem 23.

a. Derive expressions for the MP curve and the AD curve.

b. Assume that π=2. What are the real interest rate and the equilibrium level of output?

c. Suppose government spending increases to $4 trillion. What happens to equilibrium output?

d. If the Fed wants to keep output constant, then what monetary policy change should it make?

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