The Mises Community
An online community for fans of Austrian economics and libertarianism, featuring forums, user blogs, and more.

why do banks charge interest on newly created loans

rated by 0 users
Not Answered This post has 0 verified answers | 3 Replies | 2 Followers

Top 500 Contributor
111 Posts
Points 5,035
inquisitiveteenager posted on Tue, May 26 2009 7:41 AM

 

if all money is loaned into existence, say a bank loans $10 000 , and since it is a debt-based economy

this is all the money in circulation, whether they charge interest or not does not change the fact that $10 000 i

all they can possibly get back, since no other money exists, so why do they bother charging interest?

can somebody please clear this up for me?

and also, in the story of the goldsmith, when he issued out fake receipts did he use these receipts to

purchase goods and services for himslef or did he loan the receipts out to people?

  • | Post Points: 50

All Replies

Top 100 Contributor
Male
337 Posts
Points 5,895

The first question is based on an incorrect assumption - that the money can only be spent once.  This is obviously not the case.  As for your second question, I'm not sure which "goldsmith" story you are referencing.


  • | Post Points: 5
Top 50 Contributor
787 Posts
Points 13,395
banned replied on Tue, May 26 2009 2:35 PM

inquisitiveteenager:
so why do they bother charging interest?

Because loaning money implies a risk. Charging interest is what incentivises them to take this risk.

  • | Post Points: 5
Not Ranked
10 Posts
Points 115

let me guess, you watched "Money as Debt"?

don't do that

  • | Post Points: 5
Page 1 of 1 (4 items) | RSS

Ludwig von Mises Institute | 518 West Magnolia Avenue | Auburn, Alabama 36832-4528

Phone: 334.321.2100 · Fax: 334.321.2119

contact@Mises.org | webmaster | AOL-IM MainMises

Mises.org sitemap