What are the Differences Between Inflation and Deflation

In macroeconomics, we consider inflation and deflation, two pressing problems that practically every country in the world faces. When the cost of goods and services increases, the purchasing power of money declines, this is known as inflation. Deflation, on the other hand, is the opposite of inflation in that it causes a drop in the cost of products and services.

Beyond a certain point, inflation hurts every economy more than it helps. Similarly, deflation completely ruins a country’s economy. This guide is about the differences between inflation and deflation. Read on to know more about the same.

Inflation is a condition that develops when there is fluctuation in the demand and supply of funds and results in an increase in the cost of goods and services over time. Because of the increase in the overall price level brought on by inflation, a nation's economy experiences a decline in the purchasing power of its currency. As a result, an average person will need to spend considerably more money to buy a few things.

The various forms of inflation are as follows:

• Cost-Pull Inflation
• Demand-Pill Inflation
• Built-In Inflation

In India, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and Consumer Price Index are used to measure inflation (CPI). Increases in government spending, widespread tax evasion, irregular agricultural growth, deficit financing, hoarding, black marketing etc., can all contribute to inflation.

Deflation is a scenario where there is a reduction in the amount of credit and money available to the economy. Because deflation occurs when the inflation rate is less than 0%, this is also referred to as negative inflation.

The cost of products and services decreases and the purchasing power of money rises as a result. As a result, customers may now purchase more goods for a relatively small cost.

Deflation is of the following types:

• Credit Deflation
• Money Supply Side Deflation
• Debt Deflation

Customers delay their purchases and consumption in this way, which disrupts the entire economic cycle and causes the investment to sit idle. Deflation results in recession, a drop in profitability, depression, and other things.