Skip to main content

What a bout of deflation would mean for asset returns

This Focus examines the implications of deflation for asset returns. It is motivated by the recent collapse in market-based measures of US inflation compensation amid the spread of coronavirus, to their lowest levels since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). That collapse almost certainly exaggerated the change in investors’ expectations for inflation. And, in any case, it has partly reversed in recent days in response to the announcement of further policy stimulus. Nonetheless, investors still seem to be braced for a short-lived fall in the annual rate of change in the US consumer price index (CPI).

Become a client to read more

This is premium content that requires an active Capital Economics subscription to view.

Already have an account?

You may already have access to this premium content as part of a paid subscription.

Sign in to read the content in full or get details of how you can access it

Register for free

Sign up for a free account to gain:

  • Unlock additional content
  • Register for Capital Economics events
  • Receive email updates and economist-curated newsletters
  • Request a free trial of our services


Get access