In economics. inflation is a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time. [ 1 ] When the general price level rises, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services. Consequently, inflation reflects a reduction in the purchasing power per unit of money – a loss of real value in the medium of exchange and unit of account within the economy. [ 2 ] [ 3 ] A chief measure of price inflation is the inflation rate, the annualized percentage change in a general price index (normally the consumer price index ) over time. [ 4 ] The opposite of inflation is deflation .

Inflation affects an economy in various ways, both positive and negative. Negative effects of inflation include an increase in the opportunity cost of holding money, uncertainty over future inflation which may discourage investment and savings, and if inflation were rapid enough, shortages of goods as consumers begin hoarding out of concern that prices will increase in the future. Positive effects include ensuring that central banks can adjust real interest rates (to mitigate recessions ), [ 5 ] and encouraging investment in non-monetary capital projects.

Economists generally believe that high rates of inflation and hyperinflation are caused by an excessive growth of the money supply. [ 6 ] However, money supply growth does not necessarily cause inflation. Some economists maintain that under the conditions of a liquidity trap. large monetary injections are like pushing on a string. [ 7 ] [ 8 ] Views on which factors determine low to moderate rates of inflation are more varied. Low or moderate inflation may be attributed to fluctuations in real demand for goods and services, or changes in available supplies such as during scarcities. [ 9 ] However, the consensus view is that a long sustained period of inflation is caused by money supply growing faster than the rate of economic growth. [ 10 ] [ 11 ]

Today, most economists favor a low and steady rate of inflation. [ 12 ] Low (as opposed to zero or negative ) inflation reduces the severity of economic recessions by enabling the labor market to adjust more quickly in a downturn, and reduces the risk that a liquidity trap prevents monetary policy from stabilizing the economy. [ 13 ] The task of keeping the rate of inflation low and stable is usually given to monetary authorities. Generally, these monetary authorities are the central banks that control monetary policy through the setting of interest rates. through open market operations. and through the setting of banking reserve requirements. [ 14 ]