Inflation - What Is It

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Inflation: What Is It?

A rise in the cost of consumer products and services is referred to as inflation. Individuals'
purchasing power is reduced as a result. This situation devalues the currency because you'll
need to spend more to maintain your existing standard of living because one unit of currency
can buy fewer consumer products.

At the end of July 2022, the Consumer Index Price for All Urban Consumers had risen by
8.52% over the previous 12 months, according to the inflation rate. Life becomes more
expensive as a result of inflation, making it difficult to protect the value of your assets.

The Roots of Inflation


The COVID-19 epidemic is just one of several underlying factors that will contribute to
inflation in 2022. It's important to note that the present inflation wave is distinct due to its
abrupt ascent coupled with the easing of constraints in many Western countries. among
some particular causes are the following:

Energy Costs
Early in the pandemic, many stayed at home, which caused oil prices to fall dramatically.
Early in 2021, energy prices began to revert to their pre-pandemic levels, but a scarcity
developed since supply did not keep up with demand. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia
has increased the demand for fossil fuels globally, adding to the energy crisis and raising
costs.

Interest rates are low


Early in the pandemic, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates; the federal fund rate
ranged from 0% to 0.25%. While these lower rates made it simpler for individuals and
businesses to borrow money from banks, they also overflowed the market with cash at a
time when there was a shortage of many items. The availability of this extra cash decreased
the dollar's worth, which contributed to some of the rise in inflation over the previous year.

supply-chain problems
Due to supply chain challenges, some products are harder to find than ever. Bottlenecks are
also being caused by a lack of warehouse space and delivery personnel, which all contribute
to inflation. Due to supply chain issues, groceries are also more expensive, especially when
it comes to wheat and corn, both of which are frequently imported from Ukraine.

Employee Shortage

There are fewer available workers, and those who remain at their employees are demanding
higher pay. As a result, companies struggle to meet demand and raise prices to make up the
difference.

Because of the pandemic and the ensuing Russia-Ukraine war, the economy went through a
lot of ups and downs, making it difficult to identify a single factor that caused inflation.
Moving forward, it is advised that you create a strategy for safeguarding your assets against
the unforeseeable.

5 Arguments for Investing in Real Estate


During Inflation
For a variety of reasons, real estate investment remains a reliable option during inflation.
Despite rising home prices, your investment is still expected to yield good returns over time.
The following are some advantages of Virginia real estate consultant investing in 2022:

Home Prices Rise Faster Than Inflation


There may be instances where inflation exceeds the value of your home in the short term,
but this typically doesn't last. Over a lengthy period of time, home values often stay pace
with inflation, preserving your investment. According to economist and professor of real
estate finance Colin Lizieri of the University of Cambridge, over the long term, real estate
frequently outperforms inflation by 2% to 3%.

Limited Supply Drives Up Prices


The United States has a housing crisis; according to one estimate, the nation needs to
create at least three million more homes to keep up with demand. Increased valuations and
higher occupancy rates are being driven by this demand.

Rent costs are rising


Even though the inflation rate of 8.52% sounds high, rents have increased by 10–14% since
2021. Renters struggle to obtain housing due to the shortage of dwellings, which increases
landlords' income. Due to this trend, purchasing a rental property is a wise decision since
long-term demand should exist.

Adaptive Cash Flows


Real estate is unique compared to other assets because of the variable cash flows. Bonds
give you the ability to produce stable cash flows, but if rents rise over time, your real estate
income stream will probably grow as well. Additionally, you'll eventually pay off your
mortgage, generating a sizable monthly income.

No. 5 Rising Costs Increase your equity


You gain more equity when the value of your home rises. Then, while maintaining ownership
of your rental property, you can take out a low-interest loan against it if you require it. After
the initial purchase, your commitment is low because your renters are investing money in the
property as it increases in equity.

The cost increase is the one drawback of investing in a Washington dc real estate
consultant during a period of inflation, but you're still extremely likely to see a sizable return.
Purchasing earlier rather than later enables you to start banking equity and gradually
enhances your cash flows.

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