What is a Liquidity Trap?

Liquidity trap emerges as a problem that causes various problems in the world of economy and finance. So, what exactly does a liquidity trap mean? More importantly, what needs to be done when a liquidity trap occurs? Come on, go to the bottom line now for detailed information about the liquidity trap concept and its formation process!

Liquidity trap, one of the important concepts of the economic world, can affect important issues such as the effectiveness of monetary policies and the sustainability of economic balances. It is important for both economists and central banks that everyone understands the liquidity trap. In this article, we have closely examined the concept of liquidity trap and discussed the strategies that can be used to understand the problems it causes and provide solutions. If you are ready to learn about the liquidity trap in full detail, let's take a look at this critical concept of the economic world together!

Semantic Explanation: What Does Liquidity Trap Mean?

Situations where money loses its function in the economy and people prefer to save rather than spend the money they have are called liquidity traps. People continue to save even though spending is expected to increase when interest rates are low. In this case, there is an abundance of money in circulation, defined as liquidity, or cash in the market where liquid is traded. As a result, even lowering interest rates by central banks is not enough to stimulate the economy, and economic growth naturally slows down.

Conceptual Explanation: What is a Liquidity Trap?

Liquidity trap refers to periods when the nominal interest rate falls to zero or close to zero. In this situation, where the demand for bonds decreases, further reducing interest rates through monetary policies or increasing the money supply is not sufficient for the development of the economy. The basis of the liquidity trap is that people prefer to hold cash or low-risk assets instead of risky assets as an alternative. The accumulation of liquidity in anticipation of an increase in interest rates causes policies that aim to stimulate the economy to become ineffective.

What are the Features of a Liquidity Trap?

The liquidity trap occurs when interest rates are very low. Interest rates can often be near zero or negative in nominal terms.


During this period, holding cash is preferred as a strategy to overcome expected risks. When money is kept in cash, its circulation rate decreases.


Investors aim for short-term gains rather than long-term strategies. As economic uncertainty increases, investors tend to avoid risk.


When a liquidity trap occurs and traditional monetary policy tools become ineffective, alternative measures such as fiscal policy become more important.

Liquidity Trap Examples *

You can see the crisis periods in world history, which can be given as examples of the emergence of a liquidity trap, chronologically below:

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the world economy entered a major recession and the unemployment rate reached record levels. Even though interest rates were close to zero, it took a long time for the economy to revive.


During the global financial crisis in 2008, central banks in many countries reduced interest rates. However, due to financial uncertainty and crisis, both companies and individuals preferred to keep their money in cash. This situation created a liquidity trap in which monetary policies were inadequate.


During the COVID-19 pandemic, many central banks took economic stimulus measures by reducing interest rates. Due to the pandemic, people tended to save as they faced uncertainty and economic risks. This situation constituted another example of the liquidity trap.

What Causes a Liquidity Trap?

There are several important factors that cause a liquidity trap to occur. As mentioned above, the liquidity trap occurs during periods when interest rates are at extremely low levels. Low interest rates cause people to keep cash instead of turning to alternative investment instruments.

During financial crises, there may be concerns that investments will lose value because the perception of risk is high. People's expectations about future interest rates also affect the liquidity trap. When consumer spending and business investments in the economy decline, people naturally tend to save cash. It is observed that expenditures are especially postponed because it is thought that prices will decrease even more during deflation periods.

What Factors Are Included in the Liquidity Trap Chart?

The liquidity trap chart is frequently used in economic analysis and macroeconomics literature. This chart shows the relationship between interest rates and aggregate demand. The liquidity trap chart is analyzed and how the economic situation can be improved is evaluated. The chart includes various variables, especially interest rate, money supply and money demand. The liquidity trap curve is drawn as a line where aggregate demand is low relative to interest rates. According to this;

The horizontal axis of the chart represents interest rates. This axis usually includes nominal or central bank policy interest rates.
The vertical axis of the chart shows the total demand or gross domestic product (GDP) level.
The traditional balance of demand and supply (AS-AD) curve represents the point at which economic activity reaches equilibrium with respect to interest rates under normal conditions.
The equilibrium interest rate shown with the red line expresses the value at the point where the economy reaches its potential production level and inflation is stable.

What Causes a Liquidity Trap?

Since people keep their cash in hand, it reduces consumption and investment, so the duration of the economic stagnation or recession may be prolonged.


Unemployment rates may increase as a result of employers reducing their employment due to falling demand and a decrease in economic activities.


The liquidity trap can cause inflation to fall to negative levels. As prices decrease, the possibility of economic problems increases.


Low interest rates lead to reduced incomes for individuals and institutions. Particularly fixed-income retirees and bond holders may experience income loss.


During liquidity trap periods, investors may seek higher returns. This situation leads to an increase in financial instability by turning to speculative investments.


During this period, traditional monetary policies of central banks become ineffective. Cutting interest rates further is insufficient to stimulate the economy.

What Policies Should Be Implemented When a Liquidity Trap Occurs?

When a liquidity trap occurs, alternative policy approaches need to be implemented to develop the economy. These policy approaches may vary depending on economic conditions and the country's policy framework. The policies that can be implemented during the liquidity trap period are stated as follows:

Fiscal policy:

Fiscal policy is defined as governments increasing public expenditures or decreasing taxes. Consumption and business investments can be encouraged with the fiscal policy approach.

Targeted monetary policy:

Central banks can use a targeted monetary policy approach when they cannot lower traditional interest rates. Targeted monetary policy focuses on specific types of financial assets or markets. For example; Liquidity may also increase simultaneously with increased purchases of a particular asset type.

Macroprudential policies:

Macroprudential policies can also be used to maintain financial stability. These policies play an important role in increasing the capital requirements of banks and ensuring economic stability.

Public investments:

Governments can stimulate the economy by increasing public investments such as
infrastructure projects. Public investments both increase short-term employment and encourage long-term growth.