CPI stands for Consumer Price Index. It is a measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food, and medical care. CPI is calculated by taking price changes for each item in the predetermined basket of goods and averaging them. It is used as a key indicator of inflation and purchasing power in an economy. Governments and economists use CPI to monitor inflation and make economic decisions.
Debasement refers to the process of reducing the value of a currency, typically through increasing the supply of money. This can be done by physically altering coins, such as reducing the amount of precious metal in them, or by increasing the money supply through methods like printing more banknotes or quantitative easing. Debasement often leads to inflation, where the purchasing power of money declines, resulting in higher prices for goods and services.
M0, also known as Base Money or Narrow Money, refers to the total amount of physical currency in circulation within an economy, such as coins and paper money. It also includes reserves that commercial banks hold in their accounts with the central bank. M0 is considered the most liquid form of money, as it can be easily used for transactions.
M2, also known as Broad Money, includes M0 plus savings deposits, time deposits, and other near-money assets. M2 represents a broader measure of the money supply that includes both physical currency and various types of bank deposits that can be quickly converted to cash. This measure provides a more comprehensive view of the money available for spending and investment in the economy, making it a key indicator for understanding monetary policy and economic activity.
This website is designed to offer a deeper understanding of **debasement** by comparing two key indicators: **M2 (Broad Money)** and **CPI (Consumer Price Index)**. M2 provides a comprehensive approach to measuring debasement, as it represents the total money supply including physical currency and various bank deposits. This broader measure captures the full scope of money available in the economy.
**CPI**, on the other hand, incorporates a basket of goods to reflect price changes over time. While more reflective of consumer experiences, CPI can be influenced by how the basket is constructed and adjusted, potentially masking the true extent of debasement. By comparing **M2** and **CPI**, we aim to provide a clearer picture of currency devaluation and its impact on stock valuations.
This website's goal is to create a tool that helps you evaluate stocks, earnings, and dividends as if the currency's value remained constant over time. By adjusting not only the stock price but also earnings and dividends by CPI and M2, we strip away monetary distortions, giving you a more objective view of a stock's true performance.
There is also value in considering a system where the monetary base remains stable and transparent, free from external manipulation. Such a framework could foster a fairer, more predictable economic environment, allowing future generations to build and preserve wealth without the hidden costs of inflation or other distortions.
After all, the work of today should hold its value into the future.