From High Inflation to Hyperinflation: How Close Are We?
The Federal Reserve is now entering a monetary easing and rate cutting cycle in an environment of elevated inflation.
The last time this happened was during the 1970s, a decade that saw inflation spiral out of control.
The 1970s: An Optimistic Scenario
In the early 1970s, under Chairman Arthur Burns, the Fed faced rising inflation and concerns about economic growth and unemployment.
Despite elevated inflation, the Fed cut interest rates multiple times until 1972 to stimulate economic growth.
Inflation soared to over 12% in the months that followed.