Inflation is often viewed negatively, as it can negate the value of your savings over time by reducing the purchasing power of your money. Inflation can affect budgeting and the ability to save money, and impact the returns on investments, as the real rate of return is reduced by inflation. It is essential to understand that inflation is beyond your control, but you can follow some investment strategies to curtail its impact and even profit from it. Inflation is not always a bad thing. It is essential for the economy, and there are several ways you can use it to your advantage.
A financial advisor can help you understand more about inflation, its impact, and ways to profit from it. This article also discusses how to invest your money and profit from inflation.
Table of Contents
What is inflation?
Inflation is a sustained increase in the general price of goods and services in an economy over time. When the prices of most goods and services increase, the purchasing power of money decreases. As a result, people have less disposable income and can buy fewer things with the same amount of money as before.
The Federal Reserve, or Fed, is the leading institution responsible for controlling inflation, achieving price stability and keeping inflation in check. It also aims to maintain a stable value of the U.S. dollar. The Fed may adjust federal interest rates at which banks borrow and lend money from each other and use other economic strategies to keep inflation in control.
Several factors can cause inflation. In the recent past, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia and Ukraine war were primary triggers for global inflation. The annual inflation rate in the United States increased from 3.2% in 2011 to 8.3% in 2022. However, the annual inflation rate fell to 6% in February 2023. This is the lowest since September 2021.
There are three types of inflation, as follows:
1. Cost-push inflation
Cost-push inflation happens when the cost of production for goods and services increases. This further leads to a rise in the prices of goods and services. Some factors that can cause cost-push inflation include an increase in the cost of raw materials, labor costs, or energy prices. Cost-push inflation can be difficult to control because it is driven by the supply side and is beyond any monetary policy’s control.
2. Demand-pull inflation
Demand-pull inflation refers to a situation where there is excess demand for goods and services in the market compared to supply. This ultimately leads to an increase in the prices of goods and services. Demand-pull inflation can be caused by various factors, including increased consumer spending or government spending. But this type of inflation can be controlled by employing some monetary policies, such as raising interest rates, which reduces consumer spending and investment in the market and impacts people’s purchasing capacity.
3. Built-in inflation
This occurs when there is a rise in wages, which leads to an increase in the cost of production and an increase in the prices of goods and services. Built-in inflation is often caused when workers demand higher wages to combat existing inflation. This type of inflation can be difficult to control because as workers continue to demand higher wages, the cost of production and prices also keep increasing.
It is worth noting that sometimes one type of inflation can cause a ripple effect and create another kind of inflation. For example, cost-push inflation can lead to demand-pull inflation if higher production costs lead to lower supply and higher prices. This, in turn, leads to increased demand for goods and services as consumers and businesses try to purchase more products and services before prices rise further.
How to make money with inflation
It is essential to understand that inflation can have a dual effect on investments. On the one hand, inflation can be positive for assets designed to protect against inflation, such as inflation-protected bonds or real estate. Inflation can also benefit investments in industries or companies that can pass on the burden of the rise in prices to consumers and maintain their profits, such as healthcare companies.
However, inflation can also harm investments not designed to protect against inflation, such as bonds or cash. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money and decreases the future value of fixed-income investments. Inflation can also damage stocks and other assets in the short term, as higher prices can reduce consumer expenditure and lower corporate profits.
There is no doubt that inflation can create uncertainty and volatility in financial markets. This can make it challenging to make sound investment decisions. This is why it is crucial to maintain a diversified investment portfolio and adjust your investment strategies to account for inflation risk. This can be done by investing in inflation-protected assets.
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Invest options to consider to profit from inflation
Here are some investment options that can help you profit from inflation:
1. Real estate
There are several reasons why real estate is often considered a good investment during inflation. Real estate is a tangible investment that provides a physical asset that can hold value over time. Unlike stocks or other investment instruments, real estate is unlikely to lose its weight or become worthless overnight. This makes it a safe investment during inflation. Moreover, since real estate is also a commodity, its cost appreciates along with other goods during inflationary periods. This increases the value of your investment and helps you earn a good return.
Another reason real estate is considered a hedge against inflation is that it can provide a steady stream of rental income. As inflation elevates the cost of living, landlords can increase rental rates and earn more. If you invest in real estate to rent or lease it, you can profit more than if inflation is high. In addition, real estate appreciates over time, which is typically much higher than the inflation rate. This can provide you with a good return on your investment over the long term.
Overall, real estate can be a good investment during inflation. But like any investment, it is essential to do your research and ensure that you are investing in the right property at the right time. Several factors can dictate the potential for a property, including the location, size, type, floor, etc. Consider these before investing your money.
2. Gold and silver
Gold and silver are precious metals and finite resources, which means that there is a limited supply of these metals even though they enjoy an uninterrupted demand. Their scarcity helps maintain their value over time, even during periods of inflation, making them a good hedge against rising prices. Historically, both metals have held their value over time, even when the value of paper currencies has decreased due to inflation. Many people turn to gold and silver during times of high inflation. The prices of gold and silver increase with a rise in inflation, offering you a safety blanket. Gold and silver prices also stay more or less steady amidst economic and political instability. Many investors invest more in these precious metals during economic uncertainty to create a safety net against losses and diversify their portfolios.
Similar to real estate, gold and silver are tangible assets. Since they can be physically held, they can seem more attractive than paper assets like stocks or bonds and provide security and stability during uncertain times.
3. Stocks
Stocks are a volatile asset class. They are usually considered for long-term financial goals and can offer protection against inflation if invested in the long-term. During periods of inflation, companies may see an increase in revenue and earnings growth as consumers may be willing to pay higher prices for goods and services. This is especially true for companies producing essentials like healthcare, food, gas, etc. This can translate into higher stock prices and potentially higher returns for investors. When companies raise prices due to inflation, their profits and the value of their stocks also increase. This is more or less because the burden of inflation is on the consumer and not the company. As a result, the stock price is maintained or even increased, bringing in higher profits for investors.
Another way to profit from stocks during inflation is by investing in dividend-paying stocks. Some equity options pay dividends, providing you with a steady income stream during times of inflation. This additional income can be helpful to cover expenses in a high inflationary period. Stocks can also diversify an investment portfolio, which can help mitigate losses and amplify gains. By investing in a range of stocks across different sectors and industries, you can spread risk and potentially earn better returns, making stocks a good asset class irrespective of inflation. Some stocks may be able to provide inflation-adjusted returns, as they can appreciate more than the rate of inflation. This can provide a hedge against rising prices and help maintain your investment portfolio’s purchasing power.
4. Commodities
The prices of commodities may increase in response to inflation, which makes them a good hedge against inflation. Commodities can include oil, pulses, precious metals, etc. Many of these have an inelastic demand, which means that they will always be sellable even if their prices rise. Consumers purchase essential items irrespective of how high or low the prices are. This can help maintain the value of certain commodities during periods of inflation. Investing in commodities can also diversify an investment portfolio, helping spread risk across multiple asset classes and allow you to mitigate losses during times of economic turmoil. However, it is essential to note that commodities are an exceptionally volatile asset class, and you require research and prior knowledge to invest in them. It may be advised to consult a financial advisor when in doubt.
5. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are a type of U.S. Treasury bond designed to protect against inflation. As their name suggests, they are inflation-protected, offering you inflation-adjusted returns, where both the principal and interest payments are adjusted for inflation. The value of TIPS is directly proportional to the rate of inflation, so if inflation rises, the principal value of TIPS will increase, and so will the interest payments. Conversely, the principal value and interest payments will decrease if inflation falls.
TIPS are backed by the U.S. government and therefore carry low risk. In most cases, they offer interest rates paid every six months. At maturity, the principal amount is returned after adjusting it for inflation. TIPS may have maturity periods ranging from five to 30 years.
6. Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies may be considered a hedge against inflation primarily because they are decentralized and not subject to the control of governments or central banks. Their value is not directly influenced by monetary policies or government interventions, which can lead to inflation. Unlike paper currencies, cryptocurrencies have a fixed supply. There are only a limited number of coins or tokens ever to exist. Since their quantity is predetermined, they are not really impacted by inflation. However, it is essential to note that cryptocurrencies are still subject to market forces and can be highly volatile, which can lead to fluctuations in their value. Their value is ultimately determined by market demand and supply dynamics, which can be influenced by various factors. While inflation may not impact them directly, it does affect your investment budget and can determine your decision to buy cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are also highly risky and should be approached with caution. They may not be suitable for all investors.
To conclude
Investing in assets that have the potential to provide returns that outpace inflation can be a great way to ensure your money retains its value and grows over time. Apart from the investment options mentioned above, such as TIPS, cryptocurrencies, real estate, commodities, gold and silver, and stocks; spreading your investments across different asset classes is essential. This will lower overall risk and magnify your returns. It can also help to hire a financial advisor whenever in need.
Use the free advisor match service to find a financial advisor who can help you understand how to make money with inflation. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions based on your financial needs, and the match tool will help connect you with 1-3 advisors best suited to meet your financial requirements.
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