Low interest rates affect purchasing habits as well. The Federal Reserve sets a low discount rate to inspire banks to issue more loans to each other and to consumers. When consumers and businesses have easier access to credit, they spend more money. In most cases, low mortgage rates equate to more home purchases and low credit card rates cause people to spend more on credit. However, low interest rates and an increase in the money supply means the dollar weakens. Businesses that rely on foreign vendors will see an increase in the cost of production because of the changes in the exchange rate. Changing the procure routine of banks and consumers through interest rates is a long standing procedure of the Federal Reserve. During the 1970s, low interest rates associated with a large number of women entering the workforce, caused a spending spree that resulted in high inflation. To reduce the rise in prices the Federal Reserve raised the prime interest rate to 21.5 percent in December1980. When the economy is in a deep recession and the unemployment rate is high, setting low interest rates has little effect on consumer purchasing. When the Federal Reserve could not use interest rates
Low interest rates affect purchasing habits as well. The Federal Reserve sets a low discount rate to inspire banks to issue more loans to each other and to consumers. When consumers and businesses have easier access to credit, they spend more money. In most cases, low mortgage rates equate to more home purchases and low credit card rates cause people to spend more on credit. However, low interest rates and an increase in the money supply means the dollar weakens. Businesses that rely on foreign vendors will see an increase in the cost of production because of the changes in the exchange rate. Changing the procure routine of banks and consumers through interest rates is a long standing procedure of the Federal Reserve. During the 1970s, low interest rates associated with a large number of women entering the workforce, caused a spending spree that resulted in high inflation. To reduce the rise in prices the Federal Reserve raised the prime interest rate to 21.5 percent in December1980. When the economy is in a deep recession and the unemployment rate is high, setting low interest rates has little effect on consumer purchasing. When the Federal Reserve could not use interest rates