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钱为何越来越不值钱
经济观察报·2025-08-01 12:27

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of currency depreciation and rising living costs, highlighting the disconnect between interest rates and inflation, which leads to public anxiety about the value of money [2][8]. Group 1: Economic Environment - The global trend of declining interest rates has prompted various countries, including China, to adjust monetary policies to balance economic growth and debt risks [2]. - Ordinary citizens are experiencing a rise in prices for essential goods like vegetables and fruits, while bank deposit interest rates fail to keep pace with inflation, leading to a sense of currency devaluation [2][8]. Group 2: Historical Context - The concept of currency depreciation is not new; economist Irving Fisher discussed it in his 1914 work "The Money Illusion," which analyzed the dynamics of currency value fluctuations [2][6]. - Fisher's "transaction equation" (MV=PT) remains a foundational tool in macroeconomic analysis, linking money supply, velocity, price levels, and transaction volumes [2][12]. Group 3: Distinction Between Money and Wealth - Fisher emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between money and wealth, defining wealth as tangible assets that fulfill human needs, while money serves as a medium of exchange [9][10]. - Misunderstandings about money often lead to erroneous beliefs, such as equating money quantity with wealth or assuming constant money value [10][18]. Group 4: Transaction Equation - The transaction equation (MV=PT) illustrates that price levels are influenced by money supply (M), velocity of money (V), and transaction volume (T), indicating that an increase in money supply can lead to inflation if not matched by production [12][13]. - Changes in money supply, driven by banking activities and credit creation, significantly impact price levels and economic activity [14]. Group 5: Common Misconceptions - Fisher critiques popular beliefs attributing high living costs to factors like corporate greed or increased imports, arguing that competition and international trade can enhance market supply and efficiency [17][18]. - Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for formulating effective economic policies and making informed consumer decisions [18][19].