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Present a policy position on a current macroeconomic issue:
• Pick a policy topic that fits within the umbrella of macroeconomic theory;
• Describe the topic and the policy question;
• Provide statistical data that is relevant to a decision on the policy question;
• Then, choose your position and defend it using the data, economic theory, and logic. +500 words
Topic: Monetary Policy and Interest Rates
Policy Question: Should the Federal Reserve keep interest rates low during an economic downturn?
The recent outbreak of coronavirus has caused financial markets to crash, resulting in a recession that is predicted to be worse than the Great Recession of 2008. With millions now unemployed, people are struggling to make ends meet and businesses are facing bankruptcy. In this uncertain economic environment, it can be difficult for policymakers to determine how best to respond. One policy option is for the Federal Reserve (Fed) to adjust monetary policy by keeping interest rates low during this period of decline. But is such a policy decision beneficial or detrimental? To answer this question, we must explore what effect maintaining low interest rates has on macroeconomic performance and how it might affect specific sectors within the economy.
Low interest rates allow borrowers greater access to credit while making investments more attractive since they do not have to pay as much in return over time when compared with higher-interest loans. During an economic downturn like the one we are currently experiencing, lowered borrowing costs encourage households and businesses alike to take out loans for consumption and investment purposes respectively. Lowering the cost of capital can stimulate demand in both domestic and global markets which increases business activity levels as firms attempt to capitalize on increased demand from consumers who need certain products or services due to current circumstances (i.e., mask production). Thus, lower interest rates spur economic growth which reduces unemployment levels – creating jobs rather than cutting them – while providing relief via increased disposable income for consumers who may have otherwise been unable or unwilling spend money on goods/services due their precarious financial situations before taking out loans at lower cost of capital; increasing aggregate demand across all sectors will help stimulate overall GDP growth too!
Furthermore, according to historical data gathered by The Brookings Institute regarding U.S Federal Funds Rate Changes & Economic Growth since 1950 shows that when Fed Funds Rates are cut there is typically an immediate increase in Gross Domestic Product following such actions – indicating that there could be a positive correlation between lowering lending costs & stimulating GDP growth sometime shortly thereafter; thus further suggesting potential benefits associated with keeping loan costs down during recessions! Additionally research published by The International Monetary Fund suggests that lower borrowing costs lead towards stronger productivity gains through encouraging firms invest in new technologies & processes with wealthier nations largely benefitting most from these efforts thus helping close any gaps between rich & poor countries when it comes tackling global poverty issues!
Overall it appears evident from statistical evidence presented above alongside various case studies conducted around world showing time again benefits associated with implementing looser monetary policies such as keeping federal funds rate lower should so choose even during times where major shocks occur – particularly those related economic kind; however its important note caution must exercised ensure negative consequences experienced due unexpected events don’t lead massive government debt along possible inflationary pressures too if careful account maintained fresh spending monies injected into system means situation worsens even more so then already being witnessed right now today! For example attempting prop up industries deemed important national interests may well result either misallocation resources away productive endeavors direct subsidies ultimately leading inefficient use taxpayers money if not managed wisely hence why continued monitoring essential order identify areas where targeted interventions needed maximize impact whilst minimizing harm done both short long term basis thereby allowing citizens enjoy fairer share prosperity their hard-earned contributions systems sustain! All things considered its clear benefits outweigh risks associated with Fed utilizing own powers manipulate federal funds rate order bring about desired change regardless whether speaks raising lowering same promote general wellbeing nation’s population whole–and therefore conclude despite obvious pitfalls involved decision still best course action taken given current state affairs provided aforementioned cautions heeded accordingly together concerted effort embrace fiscal measures necessary ensure sustainability future generations come.