[RobRoy]

>>...to get inflation in any major currency (especially the USD) requires the others not to inflate or hold their own. <<

For most americans, I think inflation is not about the american dollar vs foreign currency. Rather, it is about the american dollar vs the price of goods. True, it would be relevant regarding imports, to one degree or another, but if corn goes up because it takes more dollars to buy it, then we’ll pay more for corn, even though it’s domestic.

If they increase the minimum wage to $100 an hour, prices will go up, regardless of the dollar’s value vs foreign currencies.

I personally think we are headed for huge stagflation and a massive drop in the american standard of living. Too many people were earning more money simply by refinancing their home than at their jobs. Those chickens are coming home to roost.

I think we are in big time deflation right now though. For those of us that have jobs it is SWEET! I’m looking at reducing my total rent by almost $1,000 a month. That is AFTER taxes.

[h20skier66]

Inflation and Deflation are not entirely a function of pricing as many believe. They are a measurement of the money supply and credit. Most inflation cheerleaders do not include credit in the argument so they miss the fact that we have deleveraged a staggering amount during the “Great Recession” and continue to do so. For those with money in a deflationary period things are wonderful; the problem becomes obtaining the money ;-). With regard to what we do about it you read up on investment strategies during periods of inflation and periods of deflation and pursue those investing options. A quick search will turn up information on how to invest in any type of flationary period; just check the resource for credibility and be careful.