Singapore experienced a quarterly growth rate of -0.7% from April to June 2012. “Inflation is harmful to an economy and hence it should be the priority of the Singapore government to reduce inflation.” Discuss. [15]
Analysis of The Question
For this question, the requirement of the question is to be able to explain the macroeconomic aims of the government such as economic growth, healthy balance of payments and low unemployment, while comprehensively explain the importance of low inflation.
Also, explain why inflation should not be the sole aim of the government, as well as the determinants through which low inflation should be prioritised
Source of Information
Part of knowledge needed for this question:
Explain objectives of economic growth, healthy balance of payments, full employment
Explain the benefits of low inflation
Explain how low inflation can solve the negative impact on other aims of government
Explain why other aims are important in helping to maintain price stability
Explain why achieving low inflation is less costly than achieving low unemployment
Explain the economic characteristics of Singapore which makes low inflation an important aim
Explain the different economic conditions in affecting the relative importance of policies