China's inflation problem will continue as long as the U.S. dollar remains under downward pressure and the Chinese policy is to cushion the greenback’s decline. Chart 1 illustrates the result of China’s inflation problem – i.e., rising prices for goods/services, financial assets and real assets. Chart 2 illustrates the reason for China’s inflation problem – i.e., excessive credit creation by the People’s Bank of China (PBoC), the Chinese equivalent of the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The PBoC is increasing the size of its balance sheet at greater than 30% annualized. And the principal driver of that balance sheet growth is foreign assets – assets acquired through dollar-support activities. The PBoC can raise reserve requirements until the oxen come home but will not succeed in slowing Chinese inflation (monetary growth) until a policy decision is made to stop supporting the dollar.

Chart 1

Chart 2

By Paul L. Kasriel
The Northern Trust Company
Economic Research Department - Daily Global Commentary

Copyright © 2007 Paul Kasriel
Paul joined the economic research unit of The Northern Trust Company in 1986 as Vice President and Economist, being named Senior Vice President and Director of Economic Research in 2000. His economic and interest rate forecasts are used both internally and by clients. The accuracy of the Economic Research Department's forecasts has consistently been highly-ranked in the Blue Chip survey of about 50 forecasters over the years. To that point, Paul received the prestigious 2006 Lawrence R. Klein Award for having the most accurate economic forecast among the Blue Chip survey participants for the years 2002 through 2005.

The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Northern Trust Company. The Northern Trust Company does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information contained herein, such information is subject to change and is not intended to influence your investment decisions.

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