Understanding Stagflation and the Risk of Its Recurrence. CRS Report for Congress

摘要

The slowing of economic growth and the rising rate of inflation in early 2008 have given rise to concerns that the U.S. economy is at risk of an episode of stagflation. In the best of times, policymakers hope to keep both the unemployment rates and inflation rates as low as possible. Stagflation, in contrast, may be the worst of times. Stagflation describes an economy that is characterized by high rates of both unemployment and inflation.