Background
A credit squeeze is an economic policy implemented to manage and control the levels of credit available in the economy. It is used primarily to restrain demand by making borrowing more difficult and expensive, thus reducing spending and investment activities.
Historical Context
The concept of a credit squeeze often comes into play during times of economic overheating where inflation is rising uncontrollably. Historically, such measures were seen in various economies, notably during the 1970s and 1980s, to tackle hyperinflation and stabilize the economy. Credit squeezes can also be employed during financial crises to protect the financial systems from risky lending practices.
Definitions and Concepts
A credit squeeze involves various mechanisms such as:
- Restricting the money supply.
- Raising interest rates.
- Limiting the amount of lending by banks and financial intermediaries.
- Defining stricter criteria on which types of transactions can avail credit, such as setting limits for loan-to-value ratios on mortgages or hire purchase agreements.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economics emphasizes the importance of non-intervention, advocating that markets are self-correcting. A credit squeeze from this perspective may be seen as a disruption to the natural adjustment processes of the market.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical economists might support a credit squeeze if aimed at curbing inflation while emphasizing the need for careful calibration to avoid recession by significantly tightening credit.
Keynesian Economics
From a Keynesian viewpoint, a credit squeeze is an essential tool for managing aggregate demand. Keynesian economics would endorse such measures during periods of excessive inflation while advising against them during times of high unemployment or economic downturns.
Marxian Economics
Marxian economics might critique a credit squeeze as a measure that prioritizes the stability of capital rather than addressing the underlying issues of capitalist production that lead to cyclical crises.
Institutional Economics
Under the institutional framework, the focus might be on how financial regulations and institutional behaviors shape the effectiveness of a credit squeeze and the broader impacts on societal and economic structures.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economists would explore the psychological impacts of a credit squeeze on consumer and business confidence, borrowing behavior, and overall economic activity.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesian economics would consider the broader socio-economic outcomes of a credit squeeze. It may also suggest complementary fiscal policies to manage demand more equitably.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists would likely endorse credit squeezes as necessary to prevent malinvestments caused by excessive credit expansion. They emphasize maintaining a hard-money policy and minimal government intervention.
Development Economics
Development economics could analyze a credit squeeze in terms of its impacts on developing economies, focusing on its effects on long-term growth, poverty reduction, and financial system stability.
Monetarism
Monetarists, following the teachings of Milton Friedman, argue that controlling the money supply is critical. They would support a credit squeeze as part of broader monetary policy to curb inflation without pushing the economy into recession.
Comparative Analysis
Comparing the application of credit squeezes across various economic systems reveals differing priorities: for Western capitalist economies, it’s often about controlling inflation, while in emerging markets, it seeks to manage growth and financial stability.
Case Studies
Notable examples of credit squeezes include:
- The Volcker shock of 1979 in the United States, where then-Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker sharply raised interest rates.
- The UK credit squeeze in the early 1960s designed to curb inflation.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Monetary Theory and Policy” by Carl E. Walsh
- “The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money” by John Maynard Keynes
- “A Monetary History of the United States” by Milton Friedman and Anna Schwartz
Related Terms with Definitions
- Monetary Policy: Actions by a central bank to manage the money supply and achieve specific economic goals.
- Inflation: The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising.
- Interest Rate: The percentage of a sum of money charged for its use, typically by a financial institution.
- Aggregate Demand: The total demand for goods and services produced in the economy.
- Financial Intermediaries: Institutions such as banks and building societies that facilitate the channeling of funds between savers and borrowers.
