Current:Home > MyHow 2% became the target for inflation -FundWay
How 2% became the target for inflation
View
Date:2025-04-24 14:03:11
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! (7322)
Related
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Texans' CJ Stroud to miss Sunday's game vs. Titans because of concussion
- Body of 28-year-old hostage recovered in Gaza, Israel says
- Which teams will emerge from AFC's playoff logjam to claim final wild-card spots?
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Our top global posts might change how you think about hunters, AI and hellos
- Belarus political prisoners face abuse, no medical care and isolation, former inmate says
- Why Shaggy Took a Strategic Step Back From the Spotlight
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- A Black woman miscarried at home and was charged for it. It shows the perils of pregnancy post-Roe
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Federal agency quashes Georgia’s plan to let pharmacies sell medical marijuana
- Browns DE Myles Garrett fined $25,000 by NFL for criticizing officials after game
- Federal agency quashes Georgia’s plan to let pharmacies sell medical marijuana
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- How to save for retirement with $1 million in the bank by age 62
- Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith shoot Purdue men's basketball over No. 1 Arizona
- There's still time (barely) to consolidate student loans for a shot at debt forgiveness
Recommendation
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Agave is an increasingly popular substitute for honey and sugar. But is it healthy?
Under the shadow of war in Gaza, Jesus’ traditional birthplace is gearing up for a subdued Christmas
Israel is using an AI system to find targets in Gaza. Experts say it's just the start
Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
Prince Harry was victim of phone hacking by U.K. tabloids, court rules
Probation ordered for boy, 13, after plea in alleged plan for mass shooting at Ohio synagogue
Quaker Oats recalls granola products because of concerns of salmonella contamination