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November
17
2017

Central Bank Group Think: Convince the Public More Inflation is Coming
Mike "Mish" Shedlock

Chicago Fed chief Charles Evans is worried about the lack of inflationprimarily because he is clueless about where to find it. As further proof of his economic illiteracy, Evans says "Low inflation expectations keep inflation down". 

Bloomberg reports Evans Says Fed Must Convince Public It Will Allow More Inflation.

The Federal Reserve should take a more aggressive stance toward boosting inflation and stop talking so much about using interest rates to ensure financial stability, Chicago Fed President Charles Evans said.

Evans expressed concerns Wednesday that the public was losing faith in policy makers’ commitment to bring inflation back up to their 2 percent target. 

The central banker has consistently argued for a slower pace of interest-rate increases than many of his colleagues on the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee.

“In order to dispel any impression that 2 percent is a ceiling, our communications should be much clearer about our willingness to deliver on a symmetric inflation outcome, acknowledging a greater chance of inflation at 2.5 percent in the future than what has been communicated in the past,” he said in remarks prepared for a speech in London.

Two Asinine Economic Theories

1. There is a need for inflation
2. The Fed can achieve it by talking about it

For proof of number 2, look at Japan.

In regards to point number 1, the BIS agrees that routine price deflation may be beneficial.

BIS Deflation Study

My Challenge to Keynesians “Prove Rising Prices Provide an Overall Economic Benefit”has gone unanswered.

The BIS did a historical study and found routine price deflation was not any problem at all.

“*Deflation may actually boost output. Lower prices increase real incomes and wealth. And they may also make export goods more competitive*,” stated the study.

For a discussion of the BIS study, please see Historical Perspective on CPI Deflations: How Damaging are They?

CPI deflation is not to be feared. More precisely, CPI deflation is a benefit. Falling prices increase purchasing power by definition and thus raise standards of living.

It’s asset bubble deflation that is damaging. When asset bubbles burst, debt deflation results.

Central banks’ seriously misguided attempts to defeat routine consumer price deflation is what fuels the destructive asset bubbles that eventually collapse.

Average 6th Grader vs Average Central Banker

The average consumer or any age wants money to buy more, not less. Even 6th graders understand the idea.

The average brainwashed economist thinks there is an economic benefit to having money buy less, not more.

The only way to get to be a board member of a central bank is to be a group-think brainwashed economic illiterate.

Hello Charles. Looking for inflation? Look at asset prices and the bubble you helped blow.

Mike "Mish" Shedlock

You are currently viewing “MishTalk” my global economics blog where I typically write several articles a day topics such as interest rates and central bank policy, gold and precious metals, jobs, and economic reports, all from an Austrian Economic perspective.

Mike Shedlock / Mish is a registered investment advisor representative for SitkaPacific Capital Management.

 

 

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