Quantity Theory Of Money

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QUANTITY THEORY OF MONEY (QTM) The Quantity Theory of Money seeks to explain the factors that determine the general price level in a country. The theory states that the price level is directly determined by the supply of money. There are two versions of the Quantity Theory of Money: (1) The Transaction Approach and (2) The Cash Balance Approach. Let us discuss them in detail. The Transaction Approach: Fisher’s transaction approach to the Quantity Theory of Money may be explained with the following equation of exchange. MV = PT Where, M is the total supply of money V is the velocity of circulation of money P is the general price level T is the total transactions in physical goods. This equation is an identity, that is, a relationship that holds by definition. It means, in an economy the total value of all goods sold during any period (PT) must be equal to the total quantity of money spent during that period (MV). Fisher assumed that (1) at full employment total physical transactions T in an economy will be a constant, and (2) the velocity of circulation remain constant in the short run because it largely depends on the spending habits of the people. When these two assumptions are made the Equation of Exchange becomes the Quantity Theory of Money which shows that there is an exact, proportional relationship between money supply and the price level. In other words, the level of prices in the economy is directly proportional to the quantity of money in circulation. That is, doubling the total supply of money would double the price level. It may be noted that the above Fisher’s Equation include only primary money or currency money. But modern economy extensively uses demand deposits or credit money. It was on account of the growing importance of credit money that Fisher later on extended his equation of exchange to include credit money. Fisher’s Transaction

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