How does raising interest rates reduce inflation?

How does raising interest rates reduce inflation?

2022-02-14 • Updated

US Inflation has skyrocketed in January to 7.5%, recording the largest annual increase in 40 years. This jump in prices is the fastest pace of inflation since 1982.

Part of the Fed's job is to prevent inflation from getting out of control — and bring it back every time it rises to the bank's 2% target. To curb current inflation, the Fed plans to increase interest rates several times this year - possibly as many as five times.

Investors are waiting for the Fed to raise rates at its next March meeting. The question now is not whether the Fed will raise rates, but whether it the rate hike is by 50 basis points or 25 basis points.

How does raising interest rates curb inflation?

1. Higher interest rates reduce demand

The Federal Reserve controls the federal funds rate, which is often referred to as the target rate. It is also the rate banks use for providing overnight loans to each other. Banks borrow money to be able to deliver loans to consumers and businesses. Therefore, when the Fed hikes rates, it raises the cost of borrowing for banks that need money to lend to others or meet their regulatory requirements. Of course, banks pass these higher costs on to consumers and businesses. If the Fed raises the interest rate by 25 basis points or 0.25%, consumers and businesses will also have to pay more to borrow money.

As the cost of borrowing increases, demand and economic activity decline. For example, if a car loan becomes more expensive, you as a consumer may decide that now is not the time to buy that new car. Or, perhaps, a company is less likely to invest in a new factory and hire additional workers if the interest it has to pay to get a loan to finance its business increases. That is the cost to pay when the Fed raises rates.

2. Lower demand reduces inflation

Since raising rates lowers demand and puts the brakes on the economy, that's exactly what slows down inflation. Usually, the prices of goods and services rise when the demand for them increases, fuelling inflation. However, as borrowing becomes more expensive, the demand for goods and services decrease throughout the economy.

Prices may not necessarily decrease and return to their old rates after raising rates, but at least their inflationary rate will decrease. The Fed follows this cycle to control inflation. Inflation rises strongly, so the US central bank hikes rates until the demand for goods and services decreases, and thus prices calm down, and so does inflation. Will the Fed succeed this time?

Similar

How Will CPI Change the Market?
How Will CPI Change the Market?

On Wednesday, the US dollar weakened in anticipation of the US CPI data, which could influence market exposure. A Bloomberg survey predicts a year-on-year read of 5.0% to the end of April. Market sentiment is affected by the US debt ceiling and issues with regional banks. While the major APAC equity indices are...

Crucial Days for Gold
Crucial Days for Gold

Gold prices have stabilized at around $2,020 ahead of Tuesday's trading session, following last Friday's dip. Recent fluctuations in risk sentiment have been the driving force behind the pricing of the precious metal. How does this look on the charts? Let’s find out.

Latest news

Gold’s Next Move Could Be Huge!
Gold’s Next Move Could Be Huge!

Let's dive into the world of gold. Currently, the price of gold, represented by XAUUSD, is stuck in indecision, hovering around the $1,975 mark. The market is anxiously awaiting two important factors: the release of the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes and the extension of the US debt ceiling.

What to Trade in June
What to Trade in June

Hey guys, this is the last full trading week in May, and many forward-looking individuals like myself are already preparing themselves to seize whatever opportunities June may have in store. On this note, I will review a few commodities that have satisfied my quest for swing-trading opportunities in the coming month. Follow me!

Will GBP Recover Now?
Will GBP Recover Now?

The Bank of England (BoE) has dramatically shifted its economic forecasts. They no longer expect a recession in the UK and have upgraded their growth projections. This year, the BoE predicts GDP growth of +0.25%, a significant improvement from previous expectations. Next year's forecast is even more optimistic, with a projected growth of 0.75%.

Deposit with your local payment systems

Feel the Team Spirit

Data collection notice

FBS maintains a record of your data to run this website. By pressing the “Accept” button, you agree to our Privacy policy.

Callback

A manager will call you shortly.

Change number

Your request is accepted.

A manager will call you shortly.

Next callback request for this phone number
will be available in

If you have an urgent issue please contact us via
Live chat

Internal error. Please try again later

Don’t waste your time – keep track of how NFP affects the US dollar and profit!

Beginner Forex book

Beginner Forex book will guide you through the world of trading.

Beginner Forex book

The most important things to start trading
Enter your e-mail, and we will send you a free Beginner Forex book

Thank you!

We've emailed a special link to your e-mail.
Click the link to confirm your address and get Beginner Forex book for free.

You are using an older version of your browser.

Update it to the latest version or try another one for a safer, more comfortable and productive trading experience.

Safari Chrome Firefox Opera