In: Economics
4. Draw a hypothetical demand and supply curve for S&P 500 stocks and explain briefly the effects of unexpected inflation caused by a sudden rise in energy prices.
5. Draw a demand and supply curve of loanable funds markets and explain the effects on equilibrium prices and quantities of LF in response to the same situation described in Q4.
Question 4
The impact of inflation on stock markets is a debatable topic. Empirical research shows that:
S&P 500 stocks are inclusive of both growth and value stocks. Hence, I am plotting the demand supply curve as per following rule:
Unexpected inflation will increase the discount rate used for valuing the stocks. Hence stock prices fall. Demand for stocks decreases. And demand curve shifts inward towards the origin. Please see the position of new demand curve D1 in comparison to the original demand curve D0. On the other hand supply of the stocks will increase and the supply curve will shift outward, away from the origin. Please see the location of new supply curve S1 in comparison to the original supply curve S0. So the new equilibrium point is E1against the original equilibrium point of E0.
The overall impact will be : Reduction in stock prices and increase in discount rate / risk free rate / interest rate.
Question 5
Loanable funds market behaviour will be similar to the behaviour of bond markets. Interest rates and inflation rates are correlated in an economy.
When inflation increases, lenders demand higher compensation for parting away from their money. So demand for loan will decrease. Loans will become less valuable or say interest rate will rise. The demand curve shift inward towards the origin. Please see the position of new demand curve D1 in comparison to the original demand curve D0. On the other hand supply of the loans will increase and the supply curve will shift outward, away from the origin. Please see the location of new supply curve S1 in comparison to the original supply curve S0. So the new equilibrium point is E1 against the original equilibrium point of E0. Please note that behaviour is similar to what has been shown for the stocks above. I am attaching the same graph again.
The overall impact will be : Reduction in bond prices and increase in interest rate.