The Debt-Deflation Theory of Great Depressions - Softcover

Fisher, Irving

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1614270104 ISBN 13: 9781614270102

Publisher: Martino Fine Books, 2011

Synopsis

2011 Reprint of the 1933 edition. Following the stock market crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression, Fisher developed a theory of economic crises called "debt-deflation", which rejected general equilibrium theory and attributed crises to the bursting of a credit bubble. According to the debt deflation theory, a sequence of effects of the debt bubble bursting occurs: 1. Debt liquidation and distress selling. 2. Contraction of the money supply as bank loans are paid off. 3. A fall in the level of asset prices. 4. A still greater fall in the net worth of businesses, precipitating bankruptcies. 5. A fall in profits. 6. A reduction in output, in trade and in employment. 7. Pessimism and loss of confidence. 8. Hoarding of money. 9. A fall in nominal interest rates and a rise in deflation adjusted interest rates. This theory was ignored in favor of Keynesian economics, partly due to the damage to Fisher's reputation from his overly optimistic attitude prior to the crash, but has experienced a revival of mainstream interest since the 1980s, particularly since the Late-2000s recession, and is now a main theory with which he is popularly associated.

About this title

About the Author:

Irving Fisher (1867-1947) was one of America’s most celebrated economists. Although not widely remembered outside of economics, within it he has increasingly become considered a giant of the profession. (Dalls Federal Reserve)

About this edition

• Publisher: Martino Fine Books
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1614270104
• ISBN 13: 9781614270102
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 46