Current:Home > ContactHow 2% became the target for inflation -Wealth Axis Pro
How 2% became the target for inflation
View
Date:2025-04-13 17:54:28
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! (25387)
Related
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- FDA gives safety nod to 'no kill' meat, bringing it closer to sale in the U.S.
- Today’s Climate: August 10, 2010
- Judge’s Ruling to Halt Fracking Regs Could Pose a Broader Threat to Federal Oversight
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- A Major Fossil Fuel State Is Joining RGGI, the Northeast’s Carbon Market
- Kroy Biermann Seeking Sole Legal and Physical Custody of His and Kim Zolciak's Kids Amid Divorce
- Francia Raisa Pleads With Critics to Stop Online Bullying Amid Selena Gomez Drama
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Parents pushed to their limits over rising child care costs, limited access to care
Ranking
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Texas Officials Have Photos of Flood-Related Oil Spills, but No Record of Any Response
- Feds Pour Millions into Innovative Energy Storage Projects in New York
- Teen Activists Worldwide Prepare to Strike for Climate, Led by Greta Thunberg
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Letters offer a rare look at the thoughts of The Dexter Killer: It's what it is and I'm what I am.
- California voters enshrine right to abortion and contraception in state constitution
- Doctors and advocates tackle a spike of abortion misinformation – in Spanish
Recommendation
Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
Timeline: The government's efforts to get sensitive documents back from Trump's Mar-a-Lago
How banks and hospitals are cashing in when patients can't pay for health care
Shoppers Praise This Tatcha Eye Cream for Botox-Level Results: Don’t Miss This 48% Off Deal
The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
Jon Gosselin Pens Message to His and Kate's Sextuplets on Their 19th Birthday
How banks and hospitals are cashing in when patients can't pay for health care
Depression And Alzheimer's Treatments At A Crossroads