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> If so, this would seem to be a pretty clear argument for wealth re-distribution

Negative interest rates are wealth redistribution. Keeping money in account would cost more money, so instead, you are forced to lend it out to people who need it (presumably poorer) for less money in the future. Thus the rich who have lots of cash lose money and the poor, who need cash, can use their cash, start businesses, and have to do less work to make their business profitable, after paying back the loan



> you are forced to lend it out to people who need it (presumably poorer) for less money in the future

This will never happen.


Um what? Negatvie interest rates already exist in some european countries and exactly this is happening.


It will never be lent out to poor people.


It will be lent out to people who can pay. If poor people can't then they won't, but I mean, it will be lent out to people less rich than the ones lending. That may mean middle class too. Still transfers from upper to middle are indeed wealth redistribution.


> Negative interest rates are wealth redistribution.

So are positive interest rates, just in the opposite direction.


Sure, but the commenter was asking if negative interest rates indicated that we need wealth redistribution from rich to poor. Also, in the recent past, we have had a negative 'real' interest rate. You'd be hard-pressed to find funds paying more than inflation on your cash.




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