- Monetary policy can also involve unorthodox policies such as open market operations and quantitative easing.
- Monetary policy is usually carried out by an independent Central Bank
Overview of monetary and fiscal policy
Reducing Inflation
To reduce inflationary pressures, the government or monetary authorities will try to reduce the growth of AD.
If we use fiscal policy, it will involve higher taxes, lower spending. The advantage of using fiscal policy is that it will help to reduce the budget deficit.
In a country like the UK, with a large budget deficit, it might make sense to use fiscal policy for reducing inflationary pressures because you can reduce inflation and, at the same time, improve the budget deficit.
However, It can be difficult to cut public spending (or increases taxes) for political reasons. This is why most economies have relied on monetary policy for the ‘fine-tuning’ of the economy.
Monetary policy
Raising interest rates is usually quite effective in reducing inflationary pressures. Higher interest rates increase the cost of borrowing and tend to slow down economic activity.
- However, raising interest rates also affects the exchange rate. Due to hot money flows to take advantage of higher interest rates, the Pound is likely to rise. Therefore, deflationary monetary policy will have a greater effect on exporters.
- Also raising interest rates has a bigger proportionate effect on homeowners with variable mortgage payments. The high level of mortgage payments means the UK is sensitive to interest rate changes.
- Monetary policy has a disproportionate effect on the housing market and borrowers.
- However, higher interest rates can be beneficial for savers who will gain a higher income. SImilarly, the period of very low-interest rates reduces income of those who rely on savings.
- Therefore monetary policy doesn’t have an even impact throughout the economy; borrowers and savers will be affected differently.
Supply-side effects of fiscal policy
- Fiscal policy is unlikely to affect the exchange rate.
- Higher income tax or corporation tax can reduce incentives to work. Business may not like the uncertainty of variable tax rates, and it may lead to lower investment. This is a reason why fiscal policy is rarely (if ever) used for controlling inflation.
- Cutting government spending could also harm capital investment or lead to lower benefits and increase inequality.
Fiscal vs Monetary policy for dealing with recession
In a recession, monetary policy will involve cutting interest rates to try and stimulate spending and investment. It should also weaken the exchange rate which will help exports.
In the aftermath of the 1992 UK recession, a cut in interest rates (which allowed a devaluation in the over-valued Pound) was very effective in leading to economic growth. The 1992 recession was primarily caused by high-interest rates, so cutting interest rates reduced burden on homeowners and business and allowed the economy to recover.
Limitations of monetary policy
In 2009, interest rates were cut from 5% to 0.5% in the UK (and across the globe). But, interest rate cuts were ineffective in restoring normal growth. In the recession of 2008-09, there was a liquidity trap. Cuts in interest rates were insufficient to encourage spending and investment. This was because:
- Banks had insufficient credit so were unwilling to lend – despite low-interest rates.
- Confidence was very low.
- House prices were falling reducing consumer wealth.
- With deflation, low-interest rates may be insufficient, because falling prices can still make real interest rates quite high. Therefore, in times of deflation, zero interest rates may not get an economy out of recession.
Unorthodox monetary policy
In addition to cuts in interest rates, another tool of monetary policy is to pursue quantitative easing.
The aim of Quantitative easing is to increase the money supply, reduce bond yields and avoid deflationary pressures.
However, despite the increase in the money supply, the ongoing credit crunch caused banks to save the newly created money, and the effect on increasing growth was limited.
Expansionary fiscal policy
Expansionary fiscal policy can directly create jobs and economic activity by injecting demand into the economy. Keynes argued expansionary fiscal policy is necessary in a recession because of the excess private sector saving which arises due to the paradox of thrift. Expansionary fiscal policy enables unused savings to be used and idle resources to be put into work.
In a deep recession and liquidity trap, fiscal policy may be more effective than monetary policy because the government can pay for new investment schemes, creating jobs directly – rather than relying on monetary policy to indirectly encourage business to invest.
The drawback of expansionary fiscal policy is that it increases the budget deficit. Some argue this can lead to higher interest rates as markets require higher interest rates to fund borrowing.
However, in many instances, government borrowing can increase in recessions without increasing bond yields. But, it is a balancing act, if borrowing increases too much, markets may fear borrowing is out of control. (see: European fiscal crisis)
Political costs of monetary and fiscal policy
In theory, deflationary policy can reduce inflation. Higher income tax would reduce inflation. However, changing tax rates and government spending is highly political. Neither politicians or voters are likely to accept higher taxes on the basis it is necessary to reduce inflation.
Interest rates set by an independent Central Bank help to take the political calculations out of demand management. In theory, a Central Bank would ignore political considerations and target low inflation. A government may be tempted to encourage an economic boom – just before an election.
Which is best monetary or fiscal policy?
Monetary policy is most widely used for ‘fine-tuning’ the economy. Making minor changes to interest rates is the easiest way to influence the economic cycle. Deflationary fiscal policy is highly politically unpopular.However, in some circumstances, monetary policy has its limitations. In serious recessions, a combination of two policies may be needed.
However, in some circumstances, monetary policy has its limitations. In serious recessions, a combination of the two policies may be needed.
Related
- Difference between Monetary and fiscal policy
- Monetary and Fiscal Policy in UK
- Definition of fiscal and monetary policies
12 thoughts on “Monetary Policy vs Fiscal Policy”
What about neither? The government that governs least governs best. Fiscal policy just creates crowds out private investment and monetary policy perpetuates disequalibrium. Let the markets work.
letting the invisible hand determine is a very attractive option but what about when the market fails, of which history has taught us to involve our capitalisms with an tinge of public coordination. the truth in this case being that a fuse of both policies with a lot of policy checkers does the work.
ya thats called mixed economy , india is one among the countries which adopted mixed economy. Michaal Adewalei want you to tell me how macroeconomi describes the economy in terms of macroeconomic variables, the objectives of macroeconomic policy, principal instrument of monetary policy, what is fiscal & monetary policy and outline a fiscal policy for a developing country.
Thanks.
I want to tell you that Monetary policy is the actions of a central bank, currency board or other regulatory committee that determine the size and rate of growth of the money supply, which in turn affects interest rates. But Fiscal policy is related with spending money and taxation.
it is a rbi’s action to control or increase money supply in the economy which increase or decrease purchasing power in economy to meet problems regarding inflation/deflation
Negassi PaulosI don’t think that the monetary actions are exclusively the role of financial institutions though they are the guiders. because every individual has some role in taking actions and responding as a reaction.
I have this for an assignment and what I’m finding is that when it comes down to which one would be better suited for a recession. Honestly neither one is a smart option. One has a major draw back of creating more issue that is solving and the other may not be sufficient enough. But if you’d have to choose one fiscal policy makes more sense.
can i get assistance with this
The whole budget contains variety of variables such as, import, export, employment, inflation and balance of payment etc. These are important components of the fiscal and monetary policies. We are informed that monetary policy and Fiscal policy are real vehicles of economic growth. Examine the validity of this statement and do analysis of the macro-economic variables.
Pls, how can u explain to me with examples how the regulatory authorities apply monetary and fiscal policies in controlling the flow of money in the economy.
nadia shabudienIn which circumstances may monetary policy prove to be more effective than fiscal policy?
When will fiscal policy tend to be more effective?
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