Report
Patrick Artus

Why was there inflation in the 1970s-1980s?

Could the economies of OECD countries return to the situation of the 1970s, marked by high and sustained inflation? As in the 1970s-1980s, commodity prices are likely to be high, at least periodically, given the various effects of the energy transition; But for rising commodity prices to create lasting inflation, it must lead to a n income distribution conflict between companies and employees. Rising commodity prices reduce earnings ; companies respond by raising prices; employees have the ability to get wages indexed to prices, which again reduces earnings. This dynamics was clearly present in the 1970s-1980s; today, it is not: the rise in commodity prices has not reduced profit margins (thanks to companies’ efficiency gains); for the time being, employees’ bargaining power is weak.
Provider
Natixis
Natixis

Based across the world’s leading financial centers, Natixis CIB Research offers an integrated view of the markets. The team provides support to inform Natixis clients’ investment and hedging decisions across all asset classes.

 

Analysts
Patrick Artus

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