In: Economics
The real interest rate has a lower bound at approximately zero because
Real interest rate is defined as the nominal interest rate adjusted for inflation in the economy. For instance, if the nominal interest rate in a particular economy is r and the rate of inflation is i, then the real interest rate is the difference between the two.
That is, real interest rate = r-i
Real interest can be positive, zero or negative depending on the relative magnitudes of the nominal interest rate and the rate of inflation. If the former is higher in magnitude than the latter, then real interest rate is positive. However, if the rate of inflation exceeds the nominal rate of interest, then the real interest rate is negative. In the rare case when r=i, real interest rate is 0.
So, there is no lower bound for real interest rate. It all depends on the relative magnitudes of nominal interest rate and the inflation rate.
So the correct option is (a).