CandleFocus

Demand-Pull Inflation

Demand-pull inflation is a type of inflation caused when there is high aggregate demand for goods and services in an economy so that suppliers have to raise their prices due to the increased demand. In other words, it is when demand exceeds supply, pushing prices higher.

Demand-pull inflation is one of the main causes of inflation and is usually the result of an economy's sustained period of rapid economic growth. When the economy is growing at a rapid rate, people and businesses tend to spend more money and companies increase production to meet the demand. However, if production fails to keep pace, demand starts outstripping supply and prices begin to increase.

The Federal Reserve also contributes to demand-pull inflation, particularly when it creates new money and injects it into the economy. The money enters the circulation and increases the demand for commodities and labor. This increase, in turn, causes prices to rise.

Demand-pull inflation is often linked to the concept of 'full employment.' This is where all those who want to work are employed and the labour market is at its most efficient point, meaning that more and more people have more disposable income to spend, further pushing demand and creating more inflation.

When it comes to controlling demand-pull inflation, the Federal Reserve and other central banks have many different tools at their disposal. These include raising interest rates and cutting government spending policies in order to reduce aggregate demand and encourage savings. Similarly, they can also use expansionary fiscal policies such as tax cuts to increase aggregate demand and boost economic growth, although this should be done in conjunction with other measures to prevent high inflation.

In conclusion, demand-pull inflation is a type of inflation caused by an increase in aggregate demand in an economy as people and businesses tend to spend more money, demand exceeds supply and consequently, prices rise. The Federal Reserve has a number of tools at its disposal to control this type of inflation, such as manipulating interest rates, government spending and tax policies.

Glossary Index