In a fact that is surprising to most people, economists generally argue that some inflation is a good thing. A healthy rate of inflation is considered to be approximately 2-3% per year. The goal is for inflation (which is measured by the Consumer Price Index, or CPI) to outpace the growth of the underlying economy (measured by Gross Inflation affects the economy, both positive and negative. Adverse effects associated with inflation, including increasing the opportunity cost of not making money, and consumers hoarding the goods estimated that prices will rise in the future.