Money Supply

Despite the recent correction to the falling prices and rising yields of U.S. treasuries, I've been wondering how the Federal Reserve might react in the coming months as the bond market remains jittery. The talk to beat inflation was tough when the new chair took his place. However, if money is tightened to reduce inflation, interest rates will have to rise even more, furthering the slump in the housing market already suffering from the recent subprime melt-down. This course of action will lead to serious unhappiness among those owning property. If the Fed decides on merely talking about beating the inflation while letting money loose, interest rates will remain less volatile and inflation will rise but perhaps at a slower rate than would cause a shock. If I were to bet, I would bet that the Fed will choose the latter coure of action. It is the politically "prudent" course although many who earn wages and have little property to own may suffer more than others.

From an entirely different perspective ...

If they fight inflation too hard, interest rates will go higher, more adjustable rate mortgages will go into default, and fewer people will be able to afford a first home. If they don't fight inflation, adjustable rate mortgages do not need to go up too high. Instead, salaries will eventually go higher with inflation (there's always a delay with salaries) ... but this course of action devalues outstanding debt. In other words, those who have given their money into debt will be earning lower, real interest rates (real interest rate = nominal interest rate minus inflation rate) ...

So, they need to side either with people that owe (mortgages or other debt) and let inflation rise or with those who lend and let interest rates rise.