Quantity Theory of Money

In monetary economics, the quantity theory of money is the theory that money supply has a direct, proportional relationship with the price level. For example, if the currency in circulation increased, there would be a proportional increase in the price of goods.

The theory was challenged by Keynesian economics, but updated and reinvigorated by the monetarist school of economics. While mainstream economists agree that the quantity theory holds true in the long run, there is still disagreement about its applicability in the short run. Critics of the theory argue that money velocity is not stable and, in the short-run, prices are sticky, so the direct relationship between money supply and price level does not hold.

Alternative theories include the real bills doctrine and the more recent fiscal theory of the price level.

Read more about Quantity Theory Of Money:  Origins and Development of The Quantity Theory, Equation of Exchange, Cambridge Approach, Quantity Theory and Evidence, Criticisms

Famous quotes containing the words quantity, theory and/or money:

    If we take in our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning, concerning matter of fact and existence? No. Commit it then to flames: for it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion.
    David Hume (1711–1776)

    The theory seems to be that so long as a man is a failure he is one of God’s chillun, but that as soon as he has any luck he owes it to the Devil.
    —H.L. (Henry Lewis)

    Had I but plenty of money, money enough and to spare,
    The house for me, no doubt, were a house in the city-square;
    Ah, such a life, such a life, as one leads at the window there!
    Robert Browning (1812–1889)