Inflació

Inflació refers to the sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time. 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.

A common measure of price inflation is the inflation rate, the annualized percentage change in a price index, typically the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures the average price of a basket of consumer goods and services. Inflation can arise from various factors. Demand-pull inflation occurs when aggregate demand in an economy outpaces aggregate supply. This means too much money is chasing too few goods. Cost-push inflation arises when the costs of production increase, leading businesses to raise prices to maintain profit margins. This can be due to rising wages, raw material prices, or energy costs.

Moderate inflation is generally considered normal and even desirable for a healthy economy. However, high inflation, or hyperinflation, can be detrimental. It erodes savings, creates uncertainty, and can lead to economic instability. Conversely, deflation, a sustained decrease in the general price level, can also have negative consequences, such as discouraging spending and investment. Central banks often aim to manage inflation through monetary policy tools like adjusting interest rates.