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How much money exists beyond the notes in our wallets?

The notes in a wallet are easy to count. Bank deposits make the question harder: in the euro area, the answer changes depending on whether “money” means the narrow M1 measure or the broader M3 measure.

3–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • Why are M1, M2, and M3 nested measures rather than amounts to add together?

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Economics and money

Why can Ireland’s inflation rate differ from your shopping bill?

A national price index combines many purchases that no single household makes in exactly the same proportions. Ireland's Consumer Price Index uses spending weights, so changes in different prices contribute unequally to the overall figure.

4–5 min
Economics and money

What does a free afternoon still cost you?

An hour can be free of charges and still be scarce. Choosing one use means giving up the best available alternative, which is the opportunity cost even when no money changes hands.

3–5 min
Economics and money

How can insurance spread financial risk across a group?

An uncertain large loss for one person can become part of a wider pool of risks. Insurance connects that pooling with a contract and a premium, while the contract still determines which losses are covered.

3–7 min
How much money exists beyond the notes in our wallets? | Speech Topic | speaking.app