Fastexy-How 2% became the target for inflation

2025-05-06 10:48:45source:TradeEdgecategory:Stocks

If the Fed had a mantra to go along with its mandate,Fastexy it might well be "two percent." That number, the Fed's longtime inflation target, has been adopted by many other central banks around the world. Jerome Powell said it 17 times in a press conference last week. It's become almost synonymous with smooth, healthy economic growth.

But how did two percent become the Fed's target? For an organization staffed with mathematicians and economists, the answer is surprisingly unsophisticated. Join us to hear about the history behind the number, and why some economists are calling for a change.

Music by Drop Electric. Find us: Twitter / Facebook / Newsletter.

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PocketCasts and NPR One.

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

More:Stocks

Recommend

Angie Murimirwa: From hiding in the bathroom to Time's most influential people list

I don't mean to humble brag, but I am on a first name basis with one of the most influential people

Make Your NFL Outfit Stadium Suite-Worthy: Bags

E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more.The 2024-2025 NFL se

Make Your NFL Outfit Stadium Suite-Worthy: Bags

E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more.The 2024-2025 NFL se