Contractionary meaning

Contractionary refers to policies or actions that aim to decrease economic growth and control inflation.


Contractionary definitions

Word backwards yranoitcartnoc
Part of speech The word "contractionary" is an adjective.
Syllabic division con-trac-tion-ar-y
Plural The plural of the word "contractionary" is "contractionaries".
Total letters 14
Vogais (3) o,a,i
Consonants (5) c,n,t,r,y

Contractionary monetary policy is a tool used by central banks to reduce the money supply in the economy, ultimately aiming to curb inflation and slow down economic growth. This policy is implemented through actions such as increasing interest rates, reducing the money supply, and selling government securities.

The Purpose of Contractionary Policy

The main goal of a contractionary monetary policy is to combat inflation by decreasing consumer spending, which in turn lowers demand for goods and services. By reducing the availability of credit and increasing the cost of borrowing, central banks aim to dampen economic activity and prevent the economy from overheating.

Tools Used in Contractionary Policy

Central banks have several tools at their disposal to implement contractionary monetary policy. One common method is to increase the target federal funds rate, which influences other interest rates in the economy. By raising interest rates, borrowing becomes more expensive, leading consumers and businesses to cut back on spending.

Another tool used in contractionary policy is open market operations, where central banks sell government securities to commercial banks and the public. This reduces the money supply in circulation, further limiting spending and investment.

Effects of Contractionary Policy

While contractionary monetary policy can effectively control inflation, it can also have negative impacts on economic growth. Higher interest rates can discourage borrowing for investments, leading to a slowdown in business activity and potentially higher unemployment rates.

Tightening monetary policy can also negatively affect the housing market, as mortgage rates rise and affordability decreases for potential homebuyers. Additionally, decreased consumer spending can put a strain on businesses, leading to lower profits and possible layoffs.

Overall, contractionary monetary policy is a powerful tool in the central bank's arsenal to control inflation and maintain economic stability. However, it must be used judiciously to prevent significant adverse effects on economic growth and employment.


Contractionary Examples

  1. The government implemented contractionary fiscal policies to control inflation.
  2. The central bank raised interest rates as a contractionary monetary policy measure.
  3. The contractionary effect of reduced consumer spending was evident in the economy.
  4. Businesses faced challenges due to the contractionary conditions in the market.
  5. Investors were cautious about the contractionary implications of the trade war.
  6. The contractionary impact of the recession was felt across industries.
  7. Experts debated the effectiveness of using contractionary policies during a downturn.
  8. Economists analyzed the long-term consequences of prolonged contractionary measures.
  9. The contractionary nature of the budget cuts led to protests from affected communities.
  10. Policy makers discussed the timing of implementing contractionary measures in the current economic climate.


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  • Updated 04/07/2024 - 00:17:29