Economy : Monetary Policy

Q 19 / 29

UPSC CSE Prelims 2014

If the interest rate is decreased in an economy, it will

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

The correct option is increase the investment expenditure in the economy.

Explanation

Interest rate is the cost of borrowing and the return on savings in an economy. It plays a crucial role in influencing consumption, investment, and savings decisions.

Analysis of Options:

  1. Decrease the consumption expenditure in the economy — Incorrect
    A fall in interest rates reduces the cost of borrowing, encouraging households to take loans and spend more. Hence, consumption expenditure tends to increase, not decrease.
  2. Increase the tax collection of the Government — Incorrect
    Tax collection depends primarily on income levels, economic activity, and tax policy. Interest rate changes do not directly increase tax revenues.
  3. Increase the investment expenditure in the economy — Correct
    Lower interest rates reduce the cost of capital for firms, making borrowing cheaper. This encourages businesses to undertake more investment projects, thereby increasing investment expenditure.
  4. Increase the total savings in the economy — Incorrect
    A decrease in interest rates reduces returns on savings, which discourages saving and encourages spending. Hence, total savings are likely to decrease, not increase.

Key Takeaway: A reduction in interest rates lowers the cost of borrowing, thereby stimulating investment and consumption while discouraging savings.

SOURCEIndian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Chapter 6: Monetary Policy and Inflation; NCERT Class 12 Macroeconomics, Chapter 3: Money and Banking