Assume that an economy is governed by the Phillips curve π= πe – 0.5(u – 0.06), where π= (P – P–1)/P–1, π e = (P e – P–1)/P–1, and 0.06 is the natural rate of unemployment. Further assume π e = π–1. Suppose that, in period zero, π= 0.03 and πe = 0.03—that is, that the economy is experiencing steady inflation at a 3-percent rate. a. Now assume that the government decides to impose whatever demand is necessary to cut unemployment to 0.04. Suppose the government follows this policy for periods 1 through 5. Create a table of π and πe for these five periods. b. Assume that, for periods 6 through 10, the government decides to hold unemployment at 0.06. Create another table of π and πe for these five periods. Is there any reason to expect the inflation rate to go back to 0.03? c. If the government persisted in its behavior under part a, do you think the public would continue for long forming expectations according to πe = π–1? Why?

MACROECONOMICS
14th Edition
ISBN:9781337794985
Author:Baumol
Publisher:Baumol
Chapter17: The Trade-off Between Inflation And Unemploy
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 4DQ
icon
Related questions
Question

Assume that an economy is governed by the Phillips curve π= πe – 0.5(u – 0.06), where π= (P – P–1)/P–1, π e = (P e – P–1)/P–1, and 0.06 is the natural rate of unemployment. Further assume π e = π–1. Suppose that, in period zero, π= 0.03 and πe = 0.03—that is, that the economy is experiencing steady inflation at a 3-percent rate. a. Now assume that the government decides to impose whatever demand is necessary to cut unemployment to 0.04. Suppose the government follows this policy for periods 1 through 5. Create a table of π and πe for these five periods. b. Assume that, for periods 6 through 10, the government decides to hold unemployment at 0.06. Create another table of π and πe for these five periods. Is there any reason to expect the inflation rate to go back to 0.03? c. If the government persisted in its behavior under part a, do you think the public would continue for long forming expectations according to πe = π–1? Why?

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Inflation and Unemployment
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
MACROECONOMICS
MACROECONOMICS
Economics
ISBN:
9781337794985
Author:
Baumol
Publisher:
CENGAGE L