Wall Street Journal: CBDC may cause "seriously negative interest rates"

 

According to a new report on September 10, the issuance of CBDC may give the central bank greater power to adjust interest rates. Central bank digital currencies (CBDC) may actually have a negative impact on interest rates by providing additional tools for policymakers. An article written by senior columnist James Mackintosh on September 8 argued that if interest rates fall below zero, the difference between CBDC and cash will become apparent. People are more inclined to "make zero" by holding physical cash, rather than losing money on digital dollars issued by the central bank. He added that this means that if the central bank issues digital dollars that cannot be hidden under the mattress, it will have a greater impact on interest rates. Negative interest rates are the last resort for the central bank to stimulate the economy by encouraging borrowing and spending during the recession. Interest is paid to borrowers instead of lenders. According to the Federal Reserve Economic Research, the US interest rate is currently 0.25%, the lowest level ever. Previously, the Federal Reserve lowered the interest rate to 0% in March 2020. (The Wall Street Journal)