The Volcker Disinflation (1980-1986 ) was costly in terms of output and unemployment. Would it not have been better to reduce inflation with a positive supply shock, rather than a negative demand shock?

What will be an ideal response?


Probably, but a positive supply shock is a difficult to achieve policy goal. A permanent supply shock — shifting the long-run aggregate supply curve to the right — would require an increase in potential output, which is not a policy variable in the short run. A temporary supply shock was, in fact, attempted: public declarations of anti-inflationary intent to lower expected inflation. Though temporary, such management of expectations would result in a permanent decrease in inflation, since the consequence would be to move the economy to (rather than away from) potential output. In practice, the best one might hope is that adjustment of expectations in the wake of a negative demand shock will reduce the intensity and duration of the declines in output and employment.

Economics

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The equation of exchange becomes the same as the quantity theory of money by assuming that the velocity of circulation ________ when the quantity of money changes and potential GDP ________ when the quantity of money changes

A) changes; changes B) changes; does not change C) does not change; changes D) does not change; does not change

Economics

If a natural monopoly has an average cost pricing rule imposed, the rule will

A) maximize total surplus in the regulated industry. B) generate an economic loss for the regulated firm. C) reduce the consumer surplus and generate a deadweight loss when compared to a marginal cost pricing rule. D) set price below marginal cost.

Economics

The income effect of an increase in the price of peaches is

A) the change in the quantity of other fruit demanded that results from the impact of the price change on purchasing power, holding all other factors constant. B) the change in the quantity of peaches demanded that results from the effect of the change in price on consumer purchasing power, holding all other factors constant. C) the change in the demand for peaches as a result of the change in the price of peaches, holding all other factors constant. D) the change in the quantity of peaches demanded that results from the price increase, making peaches more expensive than other fruit, holding constant the effect of the price change on consumer purchasing power.

Economics

Despite the monies spent by the federal and state governments, many observers believe which of the following?

a. public infrastructure such as bridges and roads is only adequate b. our educational system is lacking c. not enough monies are spent on homeland defense d. all of these are correct

Economics