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points by jagraff 1 day ago | 0 comments

That's definitely not universally true; my US bank pays 3.2% interest on savings

And what is inflation?

A general, continuous increase in the overall price level of goods and services in an economy over time.

Not really related to the discussion here though, since we were determining whether the interest rate is zero.

But if they pay you roughly the inflation rate as interest, doesn’t that mean the use of your money is roughly free to them?

[–] ImPostingOnHN 1 day ago

Yes, and alternatively you could invest your money in whatever they'd invest it in, and capture more of your money's value. You could even invest in risky things like stocks with your money, whereas they can't (with your money).

[–] jachee 1 day ago

Any interest rate that is equal to or less than inflation is functionally zero (or less).

[–] ImPostingOnHN 1 day ago

That is also true.