Inflation and deflation are two commonly used terms in Macroeconomics. These two phenomena are experienced by almost every country in the world. It can be said that inflation and deflation are two sides of the same coin.
Inflation is referred to as the situation when the price level of goods and services rise, which leads to decrease in the purchasing power in the economy or in other words decreases the buying power of the money.
Inflation is characterised by two conditions, (1) there is always a steady or sustained rise in the prices of goods and services, which is not seasonal and has a tendency of continuing for a long time (2) the impact is felt across most of the sectors of the economy.
Deflation is the exact opposite of inflation. In this condition, the price level of goods and services decrease exponentially which results in an increase of the buying power of the money. In other words, in case of deflation, the people in an economy are able to purchase more quantities of products with limited amounts of money.
Let us look at some of the points of difference between inflation and deflation.
Inflation |
Deflation |
Definition |
|
Inflation is defined as the increase in the price levels of goods and services in an economy |
Deflation is termed as the decrease in price levels of goods and services in an economy |
Impact on demand |
|
Demand for products and services increase in inflation |
Demand for products and services decrease in deflation. |
Impact on National Income |
|
No impact on national income |
National income declines as a result of deflation |
Consequences seen |
|
Distribution of income is not equal as a result of inflation |
There is a rise in level of unemployment in the nation as a result of deflation |
Is it beneficial? |
|
Moderate levels of inflation is considered good for the economy |
Calculated based on only the amount that is availed |
Impact on Purchasing Power of Money |
|
Decreases the purchasing power of money |
Increases the purchasing power of money |
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