Practise converting nominal figures to real terms, calculating real interest rates and wages, and interpreting inflation-adjusted GDP, incomes and purchasing power.
Turkey's unconventional way of managing its economy
The relationship between interest rates and the general price level is one that is central to macroeconomic theory; namely that an increase in the rate of interest produces a reduction in the rate of inflation in an economy. Most economists agree on this relationship. Not so, according to President Erdoğan of Turkey, who has defied conventional economic theory in tackling his country's fundamental economic challenges.
Two economic challenges stand out. There is spiralling inflation and a collapse in the external value of Turkey's currency (the lira) in the foreign exchange market, as shown in Fig. 1.1.
Turkish lira per US\$
Fig. 1.1 Inflation and the exchange rate of Turkey, January 2020 to February 2022
In January 2022, the year-on-year rise in consumer prices was 48.7 %, against a 36.1 % year-on-year increase for December 2021. Much higher food prices and transport and energy costs accounted for most of the increase. Despite this rise, the country's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held the short-term interest rate at 14 %. This was the rate set in September 2021 when the MPC cut the rate substantially from 19\%. In short, the President had used his influence over the MPC to reduce interest rates in an attempt to reduce the increasing rate of inflation.
The President's unconventional approach has had a dramatic effect on the external value of the lira. The rapid depreciation in the value of the lira from September 2021 has had serious repercussions for Turkey's economy as Mr Erdoğan has sought to prioritise exports over currency stability. Consumer and producer confidence are low; many who can, have converted their lira deposits into US dollars or euros, fearing a collapse of the banking system.
Despite these problems, the President remains adamant that his economics is right for Turkey. Moreover, he is convinced that when exports increase and international tourists return after the COVID-19 pandemic, employment will increase and the current account deficit on the balance of payments will be reduced. If true, this unconventional approach to Turkey's economic problems will be proved to be a success.
Use the information provided to calculate the real interest rate for Turkey in January 2022.