In: Economics
If the Fed wants to increase aggregate demand, it can increase the money supply. If it does this, what happens to the interest rate and rate of inflation? Why might the Fed choose not to respond in this way?
Should monetary policy be made by rule rather than by discretion? Why?
The only thing backing up a nation’s currency (fiat money) in the modern world is faith in the government issuing it. If this is so, what should governments do to maintain a stable currency? How can the Central Bank (the Federal Reserve) build trust in the U.S. currency? What actions would undermine a currency?
1.
An increase in money supply shifts the money supply curve to the right, leading to a fall in interest rate.
Inflation rises in the economy since money supply rises, leading to an increase in price level in the economy.
Fed might chose not to respond in this way if it fears the economy is already fighting with inflation and further increasing money supply would only make things worse
No, monetary policy should be made by discretion as the application of the policy varies from situation to situation. By making it a rule, things can get worse as it would become less monitored and would have to be applied even in cases where it could be avoided.
Government should keep the value of currency stable in the forex markets and work to make sure it stays strong and competitive with respect to rest of the countries.
The Central bank can build trust in the US currency by keeping the currency strong and the economy competitive. Also, huge reserves of the currency as well as foreign currency should be kept to alter supply or demand for either currency to keep oneself strong.
A weak monetary policy or low level of reserves would undermine a currency and make people lose trust in it.