Current:Home > ScamsHow 2% became the target for inflation -Zenith Money Vision
How 2% became the target for inflation
View
Date:2025-04-13 03:58:46
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! (4842)
Related
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Swanky Los Angeles mansion once owned by Muhammad Ali up for auction. See photos
- 1 dead, 5 wounded in Birmingham, Alabama, shooting, police say
- Travis Kelce Makes Surprise Appearance at Pre-2024 Kentucky Derby Party
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- TikToker Jesse Sullivan Shares Own Unique Name Ideas for His and Francesca Farago's Twins
- Spoilers! How Jerry Seinfeld pulled off that 'fantastic' TV reunion for his Pop-Tart movie
- CBS News Sunday Morning gets an exclusive look inside the making of singer Randy Travis' new AI-created song
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- A group of Republicans has united to defend the legitimacy of US elections and those who run them
Ranking
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Jewel shuts down questions about Kevin Costner romance: 'I'm so happy, irrelevant of a man'
- 2 women found dead and 5-year-old girl critically injured in New Mexico park, police say
- 5 people die from drinking poison potion in Santeria power ritual, Mexican officials say
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Berkshire Hathaway event gives good view of Warren Buffett’s successor but also raises new questions
- Where pro-Palestinian university protests are happening around the world
- Colorado dentist accused of killing wife with poison tried to plant letters to make it look like she was suicidal, police say
Recommendation
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
Mega Millions winning numbers for May 3 drawing: Jackpot rises to $284 million
Dick Rutan, who set an aviation milestone when he flew nonstop around the world, is dead at 85
'It's one-of-a-kind experience': 'Heeramandi' creator Sanjay Bhansali on why series is a must-watch
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
Hundreds rescued from floodwaters around Houston as millions in Texas, Oklahoma, remain under threat
Oregon’s Owyhee Canyonlands Is the Biggest Conservation Opportunity Left in the West. If Congress Won’t Protect it, Should Biden Step in?
Padres thrilled by trade for 'baller' Luis Arráez, solidifying San Diego as NL contender