While speculation is spreading that the Bank of Japan may increase its bond-buying program, with the dual goals of increasing economic activity and filliping the rate of inflation to 2 percent, influential members of the money establishment are asking “Is 2 percent inflation high enough?”
Establishment economic thinking is that the “right” rate of inflation is 2%. Thoughts on this position can be found here: The Goal of 2% Inflation, Rethought — New York Times. Japan is falling far short of 2% inflation, despite the Bank of Japan buying ¥80 trillion worth of bonds each month. Analysts are now speculating
It was an embarrassing defeat for the US as it failed to keep its major allies from seeking membership in the China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which will provide Asian countries an alternative to the US-dominated IMF, World Bank and Asian Development Bank. Allies seeking membership include the UK, Australia, Germany, France and South
Around the world, central banks have joined in fighting a common enemy: lower prices. But, when did lower prices become the enemy?