Assume That an Economy Is Governed by the Phillips Curve

question 69

Essay

Assume that an economy is governed by the Phillips curve π = π^e - 0.5 (u - 0.06), where π = (P - P_-1) / P_-1, π^e = π_-1, and 0.06 is the natural rate of unemployment. Suppose that, in period zero, π = 0.03 and π^e = 0.03-that is, that the economy is experiencing steady inflation at a 3-percent rate.
a.Now assume that the government decides to impose whatever demand is necessary to cut unemployment to 0.04. Suppose the government follows this policy for periods 1 through 5. Create a table of π and π^e for these five periods.
b.Assume that, for periods 6 through 10, the government decides to hold unemployment at 0.06. Create another table of π andπ^e for these five periods. Is there any reason to expect the inflation rate to go back to 0.03?
c.If the government persisted in its behaviour under part a, do you think the public would continue for long forming expectations according to π^e = π_-1? Why?

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Definitions:

Equality

The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

Compromise

A method of resolving a disagreement where each party gives up something that was originally wanted to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Life Fairness

The subjective assessment of the balance or equity of life circumstances and events.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to describe variability among observed, correlated variables in terms of a potentially lower number of unobserved variables called factors.