Inflation is a problem that affects the economies of many countries around the world. Inflation is bad and hurts the economy. The prices of goods and services rise, allowing less money for buying them. It also affects people’s buying power. The purchasing power of money falls with inflation. This is because when prices rise, the same amount of money will not be able to buy as much.

This article takes a look at why inflation is a problem and what causes it. We will also look at ways to reduce inflation and to control its consequences.

1) What is Inflation?

Inflation is a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time.

It is usually calculated as the percentage increase in a price index of representative goods and services, such as consumer price index (CPI).

2) How Does Inflation Hurt the Economy?

Inflation hurts the economy in several ways. First, it forces people to spend more money on things they have to buy every day.

For example, if you have to pay more for your food, you will have less money for other things. Second, inflation makes it very difficult for businesses to plan their expenditures. It can also cause uncertainty in the financial markets. This uncertainty can affect the amount of investment in the economy and its growth.

3) What Causes Inflation?

There are two main sources of inflation: demand-pull inflation and cost-push inflation.

Demand-pull inflation is caused by an excessive increase in aggregate demand in the economy. Aggregate demand is the total demand for all goods and services produced in an economy at a given price level. It is equal to consumption plus investment plus government expenditure on goods and services plus net exports.

Cost-push inflation happens when prices are “pushed up” by increases in the costs such as labor, capital (interest rates), supply chain issues, raw materials, etc. Right now most of the inflation in Asia and the wider world is a result of cost-push prices, exacerbated by demand-pull pressures in the west where unemployment is a near record lows.

4) How Does Inflation Happen?

Inflation happens because there is too much money chasing too few goods. This happens when the aggregate demand for goods exceeds the economy’s ability to supply these goods. This can happen because of a change in the aggregate demand for goods and services or an increase in the aggregate supply of goods and services.

5) How Is Inflation Measured?

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is used to measure inflation in the United States. The CPI measures the price level of a basket of consumer goods and services purchased by households. It is often called “the cost of living” index. It measures changes in the price level of a defined basket of goods and services. In other words, it measures how much it costs you to purchase a set basket of goods and services.

6) What Can You Do About Inflation?

You can’t do much about inflation. It is an economic fact of life. Being more frugal, trying to cut costs and putting off unnecessary or luxury purchases will help. But when essentials such as food, shelter and energy costs rise it is hard for the average consumer to adapt.

However there are ways for investors to protect their nest egg:

• Invest in assets that are likely to increase in value over time, such as real estate and stocks.
• Invest in assets that provide a hedge against inflation, such as gold or other precious metals.
• Keep your portfolio diversified so that any shocks to the economy are less likely to affect you financially