That makes sense. It sounds like the closer to zero it gets the better. I know deflation is problematic. I wonder how close to zero is achievable. We’ve seen stable inflatuon of about three percent, plus or minus two for a few years in the past. I wonder if it’s possible to achieve two percent, plus or minus one without going under zero.

Thanks! I get it now.

“Retailers hate this one weird trick!” [YouTube face]

Agreed. Someone else in this thread suggested that population growth was a factor. That was an interesting take. All things being equal, I would have assumed population growth would affect the magnitude of inflation, but not its direction. I think you’re right that there’s definitely some unknowns. I’m not sure I want an advanced degree in economics, but that’s what it might take to understand more.

Okay, that’s pretty funny.

Thank

Thanks for the response. You gave me a lot to think about, so I opened the Wikipedia article on fiat money. The part on history was pretty cool:

Link

I’m trying really hard to interpret this, but I feel like I’m missing some context.

I hear that. I take every chance I get.

This is a huge win for tiny contortionists.

Same. I got one of those large dispensers like dentists use and the corresponding bulk rolls of the nice ribbon style floss to fill it. I only ever use the regular sizes for traveling now. Keeps costs and plastic waste down. I don’t have to think about it for years at a time. It’s a small thing, but I like it.

That sounds about right. Thanks for the thorough response. I wonder if, in that scenario, the government offered a bailout to convert to condos, it would help at all to prevent housing recession.

Fair enough. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

I’m being kept tired, distracted, and poor lately as a systematic form of oppressive totalitarian rule - and that’s just from my kid!

Hiyo! I really got a kick out of that.

You stay brave, Little Hitachi Wand.

Edit: Forgit tu spel gud

I felt that like: ಠ_ಠ

I wasn’t even considering crypto. Thanks for the insightful example.

That’s an interesting point. I wonder what it would look like if inflation were targeted to population growth percentage rather than a fixed number.

No, that sounds about right. Deflation is pretty consistently devastating.

I got the same macroeconomics education as a lot of people. I get why 2% inflation is a common target. I do, however, like thought experiments using extreme values.

I wouldn’t say it’s a particularly idle question by social media standards. Admittedly, that’s a pretty low bar. Perhaps I am uniformed. I’m definitely not being malicious.

Can we just pretend I was a cunt for mild chuckles?

If only residential rents really were capped at $1, what do you think would happen? In this scenario, I’m assuming it’s limited to one per household. That is, a family or individual can’t rent multiples at $1, just the one.

Nice. Here, have a penny for your thoughts.

Sarcasm acknowledged. If it were possible, what do you think the world would look like if inflation were 0% for a few decades? I hope this is a fun conversation. If not, I’ll settle for another joke, amusing anecdote or icy silence with a judgmental stare.

I didn’t understand this. Could I have an example?