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Greed? Profits, Inflation, and Aggregate Demand

Author

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  • Bilbiie, F. O.
  • Kanzig, D. R.

Abstract

Amidst the recent resurgence of inflation, this paper investigates the interplay of corporate profits and income distribution in shaping inflation and aggregate demand within the New Keynesian framework. We derive a novel analytical condition for profits to be procyclical and inflationary. Furthermore, we show that the cyclicality of profits is a key determinant of the propagation properties of these models under household heterogeneity, but there is a catch: for aggregate-demand fluctuations and inflation to be amplified by heterogeneity, profits have to be countercyclical—an implication that is at odds with the data. Adding physical capital investment to the model can resolve this conundrum, generating aggregate-demand amplification even under procyclical profits. However, the amplification works through an investment channel and not through profits, inconsistent with the narrative attributing elevated inflation to corporate greed.

Suggested Citation

  • Bilbiie, F. O. & Kanzig, D. R., 2023. "Greed? Profits, Inflation, and Aggregate Demand," Janeway Institute Working Papers 2313, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:cam:camjip:2313
    Note: fob21
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    File URL: https://www.janeway.econ.cam.ac.uk/working-paper-pdfs/jiwp2313.pdf
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    Keywords

    Aggregate demand; income distribution; inflation; profits;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory

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