Background
Income velocity of circulation measures the frequency at which a unit of currency circulates within the economy when it comes to the national income. It helps in understanding the economic activity in relation to the money supply.
Historical Context
The concept stems from early monetary theory but gained more structured analysis within macroeconomic frameworks, particularly with the work of Irving Fisher and the development of the quantity theory of money.
Definitions and Concepts
Income velocity of circulation is defined as the ratio of national income to the money supply.
\[ V = \frac{Y}{M} \]
Where:
- \( V \) represents the velocity,
- \( Y \) represents the national income,
- \( M \) represents the money supply.
This metric is inherently different from the actual velocity of all transactions because it focuses solely on income-generating transactions while excluding intermediates.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Emphasizes a constant velocity in the long term, assuming full employment and efficient market function.
Neoclassical Economics
Analyzes velocity with the introduction of rational expectations and market efficiency, emphasizing its role in balancing supply and demand.
Keynesian Economics
Addresses the fluctuations and instability of velocity due to changes in consumer and business confidence, liquidity preferences, and government fiscal policies.
Marxian Economics
While not explicitly focused on velocity, it criticizes capitalist systems where multiple forms of trade and capital account transactions drive inequality and inefficient circulation among classes.
Institutional Economics
Considers the impact of institutions, laws, and social norms on the velocity of money, incorporating structural changes within the economy.
Behavioral Economics
Analyzes how psychological factors affect spending, saving, and hence the velocity of money circulation, challenging the notion of rational behavior.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Emphasizes the endogenous nature of money and the impact of fiscal and monetary policies on the practical flow of the economy.
Austrian Economics
Critiques modern definitions and emphasizes individual actions influencing money value and circulation, while stressing natural market adjustments.
Development Economics
Studies the velocity in the context of economic development, looking at how aid, foreign investment, and local policy impact the multiplier effect within developing countries.
Monetarism
Raises the theory of a stable velocity but notes short-term fluctuations due to changes in people’s holding money relative to total transactions.
Comparative Analysis
The different schools offer varied insights into how money circulates within an economy and the resulting impacts. Classical and Neoclassical frameworks demonstrate a more static view, while Keynesian and Post-Keynesian reflect on dynamic, policy-driven changes. Institutional and Behavioral schools provide a context-driven perspective, diving deep into why velocity may change based on societal and psychological factors.
Case Studies
- The economic impact of fiscal stimulus in the US post-2008 financial crisis.
- Variability in income velocity across Eurozone countries during the Sovereign debt crisis.
- Effect of digital payment innovations on income velocity in emerging markets like India and Kenya.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money” by John Maynard Keynes
- “Free to Choose: A Personal Statement” by Milton and Rose Friedman
- “Modern Money Theory” by L. Randall Wray
- “Principles of Economics” by Alfred Marshall
Related Terms with Definitions
- Money Supply: The total amount of monetary assets available in an economy at a specific time.
- National Income: The total income earned by a country’s residents and businesses, including any tax revenue but excluding transfer payments like pensions.
- Capital Account: Part of a country’s balance of payments comprising transfer on capital including sale and leasing of land, debt forgiveness, and foreign investments.
