Just as a refresher:
“In 1977, Congress gave the Fed two main tasks: Keep the prices of things Americans buy stable, and create labor-market conditions that provide jobs for all the people who want them.
The Fed has developed a toolkit to achieve these dual goals of inflation and maximum employment. But interest-rate changes make the most headlines, perhaps because they have a swift effect on how much we pay for credit cards and other loans.
From Washington, the Fed adjusts interest rates with the hope of spurring all sorts of other changes in the economy. If it wants to encourage consumers to borrow so spending can increase, which should boost economic growth, it cuts rates and makes borrowing cheap. After the Great Recession, it kept rates near zero to achieve just that.
To accomplish the opposite and cool the economy, it raises rates so an extra credit card seems less desirable.” — Business Insider
Business cycles refer to the recurring pattern of growth and contraction in the economy. These cycles can be influenced by various factors, including interest rates. Interest rates are the cost of borrowing money and are set by central banks to regulate economic activity.
When interest rates are low, businesses and consumers are more likely to borrow money to finance investments and purchases. This increased borrowing can stimulate economic growth and lead to an expansionary phase of the business cycle. During this phase, businesses are likely to experience increased demand for their products and services, leading to higher profits and potentially higher stock prices.
However, if interest rates remain low for an extended period, inflation can become a concern. Inflation is the rate at which prices of goods and services rise, and it can erode the purchasing power of money. In response, central banks may raise interest rates to slow down borrowing and spending and reduce inflation. This tightening of monetary policy can lead to a contractionary phase of the business cycle, characterized by slower economic growth, reduced demand, and potentially lower profits and stock prices.
Conversely, when interest rates are high, borrowing becomes more expensive, and businesses and consumers may cut back on investments and purchases. This reduction in spending can lead to a contractionary phase of the business cycle. However, high-interest rates can also help combat inflation by reducing demand and lowering the cost of goods and services.
In addition to impacting borrowing and spending, interest rates can also affect currency exchange rates. Higher interest rates can lead to an increase in the value of a currency, as foreign investors are attracted by the higher return on investment. This can have both positive and negative effects on the economy. A stronger currency can make exports more expensive, leading to a reduction in demand, while imports become cheaper, potentially increasing demand for foreign goods.
Overall, interest rates play a crucial role in the business cycle and can have a significant impact on economic growth, inflation, and investment decisions. It is essential for businesses and investors to understand the relationship between interest rates and the economy to make informed decisions and manage risk.
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-fed-raises-interest-rates-2017-12
