Push On A String

Push On A String

When monetary policy cannot entice consumers into spending more money or investing in an economy, even if monetary policy is loosened to put more money into peoples' hands. This term is often attributed to noted economist John Maynard Keynes. If the core demand doesn't exist to induce people to part with their money, it can't be forced through monetary policy. Trying to do so is like trying to "push on a string".