InflatioN

A rise in the general level of prices which results in a fall of purchasing power and the decline of the value of money. InflatioN adversely affects the EconomY? by increasing uncertainty and discouraging savings. It also means high nominal rates of interest which discourages investment. It also negatively affects the BalanceOfPayments? by making imports cheaper and exports more expensive. Furthermore, a fall in the value of money will redistribute income - it will remove purchasing power from those living on fixed incomes (eg. pensioners) and shift it towards those who draw a variable income from prices and interest.