Submitted by goaterra t3_127purd in explainlikeimfive
goaterra OP t1_jef7n6i wrote
Reply to comment by Sand_Trout in ELI5: Why can’t governments funds things if they’re always in debt anyway? by goaterra
Is it printing money if it’s just kinda… transferred to the business?
Flob368 t1_jef7zll wrote
Basically, yes. What matters is the total amount of that currency, and if they just make more, whether digital or not, you get hyperinflation
MrWedge18 t1_jefb864 wrote
Absolutely. That business can then transfer it to someone else for goods and services, aka use like any other money. It's out there in the wider economy behaving like normal money.
So for governments to take on debt without completely fucking over their economies, the money can't be just poofed into existence. It must come from already existing money. The US, for example, borrows money from people by selling treasury bonds. Basically, promises to return the money plus interest over x years.
Sometimes_Stutters t1_jefal50 wrote
Money is really “printed” anymore. Atleast not in a way that’s meaningfully inflationary. Money in printed through the issuance of debt. More gov debt, the more money supply.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments