Question

Arkensland is a highly industrialized countr. Prices have been steadily increasing over the last few years and inflation reached an all-time high of 8 % last year. Following this, the central bank came under pressure to reduce inflation to least 4 % in this year. With real GDP expected to grow at 2% this year, the finance minister suggested that the central bank should ensure that money supply growth in the current year is not more than 6%. However, inflation at the end of this year turned out to be higher than 4%, even though real GDP grew at 2% and money supply growth was restricted to 6%. Which of the following can most reasonably be inferred from the above information? A. The velocity of money increased this year. B. THere is a risk of hyperinflation in Arkensland. C. The growth of GDP in Arkensland has stagnated. D. The central bank of Arkensland must have sold bonds this year in order to reduce the money supply.

Answer 1

Answer: (A) The velocity of money increased this year

Explanation:

First of all, the question says: "which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from THE ABOVE INFORMATION?"

"Above information" here refers to:

"Inflation rate turned out to exceed 4% in the current year, DESPITE Real GDP growth being at the estimated level of 2% AND money supply growth being at the restricted level of 6%"

So why did inflation growth rate still exceed money supply growth rate and real GDP growth rate?

Answer: the velocity of money increased in the current year. Velocity of money is the speed with which money is exchanged in the economy. The fact that the real value of this currency has dropped significantly (due to significant rise in inflation) made individuals lose interest in having a bulk of the currency. Hence, they quickly spend it once it gets to their hands (e.g. as disposable income) and this in turn causes inflation rate to rise.