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Consumers might wish for prices to drop, but here's why deflation is not a good thing

Mar 12, 2024
Most of the time deflation is a signal of a struggling economy. Disinflation — when prices still increase, just more slowly — is the goal.
Once prices go up, it’s unusual for them to drop.
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What makes Japan’s economy the odd man out? 

In an effort to stimulate a sluggish economy, the government got creative and started applying negative interest rates.
Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda speaks at a press conference.
Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP via Getty Images

What's the difference between disinflation and deflation?

Dec 18, 2023
Inflation has fallen sharply in the last year and a half, but prices haven't come down. Economists say that's not a bad thing.
You can compare changes in consumer prices to driving a car. Disinflation is like reducing  your speed, but still moving ahead. Deflation, however, would be driving in reverse.
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Should the U.S. be worried about deflation? 

Sep 29, 2023
As price gains cool down, we consider the risk that the trend will go too far. Plus, is consumer sentiment a trustworthy indicator of economic activity?
Price gains have been on the decline after a bout of decades-high inflation that started during the pandemic. It's a welcome change for consumers, but deflation is another threat to the economy.
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In China, prices have been falling for too long

Deflation has led to lost revenue for companies, layoffs, and decreased consumer spending.
Falling prices might be what the U.S. is aiming for, but in China, too much of a good thing is leading to layoffs and decreased spending.
Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images

China's economy is slowing. Is the political economy to blame?

Aug 9, 2023
Adam Posen of the Peterson Institute says that implementation of the zero-COVID policies made people feel "very insecure."
According to Adam Posen, it's been difficult for China's leaders to re-establish trust after the implementation of zero-COVID. "We've already seen leaders from the Communist Party around President Xi Jingping say, 'Oh, no, we want a vibrant private sector in China, said Posen. "But it's hard to be credible once you get to that point."
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Japanese shocked by rising prices after decades of economic stagnation

Jun 20, 2022
Japan had struggled to even reach the central bank inflation target of 2%.
Japanese consumers have come to expect stable prices, making it difficult for stores to consider increasing them.
Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images

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What's disinflation, and why does it matter?

Jul 30, 2020
Slowing inflation isn't as dangerous as prices dropping for a long period of time. But it's important to keep disinflation in check.
The menu of a ramen restaurant, for instance, can illustrate inflation, disinflation or deflation.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Falling producer price index fans fears of deflation

May 13, 2020
Prices of many goods are dropping as demand slows and people stay at home more. But does this mean deflation is here to stay?
A warehouse in China. Producer prices have softened as economic activity has slowed.
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