What does it suggest when the public believes that the central bank will maintain low inflation rates?

When the public believes that the central bank will maintain low inflation rates, it reflects the credibility of monetary policy. This credibility means that people trust the central bank's commitment to controlling inflation, which can lead to more stable economic behavior. When individuals and businesses have confidence that the central bank will successfully manage inflation, they make economic decisions—such as long-term investments and spending—based on the expectation of stable prices.

This perception can reinforce low inflation itself because if people expect prices to stay stable, they are less likely to adjust wages and prices upwards, which can help keep inflation in check. Consequently, credibility in monetary policy supports price stability as a central aim of effective economic management.

While inflation targeting and price stability are also related concepts, they do not directly address the role of public belief and trust in the central bank's actions. Market confidence is certainly influenced by these beliefs, but it is a broader concept that encompasses various factors beyond just monetary credibility.