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What Is “Average Inflation Targeting”?
Article

What Is “Average Inflation Targeting”?


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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Overview
  • For Experts

Recommendation

The Federal Reserve’s pursuit of its dual mandate to maintain stable prices and robust employment rests on controlling inflation. Since 2012, the Fed has earmarked 2% as the inflation rate that best achieves price stability. But that level has proven elusive. In this astute analysis, economist David Wessel offers policy makers and financial professionals background on the choice of this rate and its supporting architecture. He explores the reasons why Fed officials are now considering revamping their inflation targeting approaches.

Take-Aways

  • In 2012, the Federal Reserve codified a 2% threshold as the standard for inflation.
  • Today, Fed leaders are evaluating their policy toolkit, specifically to determine if it is robust enough to fulfill their objectives.
  • The Fed is considering revisions to their methods, including “average inflation targeting.”

About the Author

David Wessel is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the director of its Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy.