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The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in prices due to the Federal Reserve printing more money, which devalued the purchasing power of the dollar.
Dominic Frisby points out that while prices have generally increased, one of the few areas where costs have decreased is phone calls.
Since the final vestiges of the gold standard were abandoned in 1971, the supply of money has ballooned. This has led to more money chasing the same amount of goods, contributing to the rise in prices over the years.
The economic instability in the UK is partly due to a high welfare bill and the inability to sustain current levels of public spending.
The US government and central banks have a significant influence on the economy by printing money, which distorts price signals and reduces economic efficiency.
During the 19th century, consumer prices decreased by more than half, allowing wage earners to buy more over time. This contrasts sharply with today's economy, where money buys less each year.
The US dollar's strength is partly due to its central role in the global financial system, but this has also led to industrial decline.
The gold sovereign, introduced in 1816 after the Napoleonic Wars, was the most successful coin in history. Today, it takes 650 modern pound coins to buy what one old pound coin was worth, illustrating the extent of currency debasement over time.
The government can increase the number of dollars in existence with the click of a button, devaluing the dollar you just worked for. This leads to a decrease in purchasing power over time.
The reason cars have become significantly more expensive compared to washing machines since 1970 is largely due to the use of debt in purchasing cars. While washing machines have become cheaper relative to earnings due to improved productivity and outsourcing, cars have seen a price increase because financing creates more money, driving prices up.