Current:Home > ContactHow 2% became the target for inflation -MoneyStream
How 2% became the target for inflation
View
Date:2025-04-16 08:38:05
If the Fed had a mantra to go along with its mandate, 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.
veryGood! (36571)
Related
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Biden is targeting the ‘junk fees’ you’re always paying. But it may not save you money.
- Take 20% Off the Cult Favorite Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress in Honor of Its 5-Year Anniversary
- Home Workout Brand LIT Method Will Transform the Way You Think About the Gym
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- How Emily Blunt and John Krasinski Built a Marriage That Leaves Us All Feeling Just a Little Jealous
- Climate Activists Reluctantly Back John Fetterman in Tightening Pennsylvania Senate Race
- Is now the time to buy a car? High sticker prices, interest rates have many holding off
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Why Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson Are One of Hollywood's Best Love Stories
Ranking
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- A year after Yellowstone floods, fishing guides have to learn 'a whole new river'
- These millionaires want to tax the rich, and they're lobbying working-class voters
- Elizabeth Gilbert halts release of a new book after outcry over its Russian setting
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- The Best Ulta Sale of the Summer Is Finally Here: Save 50% On Living Proof, Lancôme, Stila, Redken & More
- Ryan Gosling Gives Eva Mendes a Sweet Shoutout With Barbie Premiere Look
- Jessica Simpson Proves She's Comfortable In This Skin With Make-Up Free Selfie on 43rd Birthday
Recommendation
Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
Environmentalists Fear a Massive New Plastics Plant Near Pittsburgh Will Worsen Pollution and Stimulate Fracking
Shein invited influencers on an all-expenses-paid trip. Here's why people are livid
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson's Steamiest Pics Are Irresistible
Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
The missing submersible raises troubling questions for the adventure tourism industry
Pressing Safety Concerns, Opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline Gear Up for the Next Round of Battle
TikTok Just Became a Go-To Source for Real-Time Videos of Hurricane Ian