Inflation and deflation are two opposing forces that impact the economy. Inflation refers to a general increase in the prices of goods and services over time, which leads to a decrease in the purchasing power of money. Deflation, on the other hand, is the opposite of inflation, and refers to a general decrease in the prices of goods and services, resulting in an increase in the purchasing power of money.

Inflation can have negative effects on the economy, such as reducing the value of savings, increasing the cost of borrowing, and reducing international competitiveness. On the other hand, deflation can also have negative effects, such as reducing consumer and business spending, increasing the burden of debt, and leading to lower economic growth.

Central banks and governments use a variety of tools to manage inflation and deflation, such as adjusting interest rates, implementing fiscal policies, and influencing the money supply. The goal is to maintain a stable and predictable rate of inflation to promote economic growth and stability.