An economist presents a scatter plot showing data for several developed nations. The vertical axis represents the average inflation rate from 1962-1990, and the horizontal axis represents a measure of how independent each nation's central bank was from political influence in the mid-1980s. The data points on the plot show a clear trend, starting from the upper-left area and moving towards the lower-right area. What is the most logical conclusion to draw from this specific data pattern?

Interpreting the Link Between Central Bank Structure and Inflation

Based on the observed negative relationship between the degree of central bank independence and average inflation rates in developed countries from 1962-1990, it can be definitively concluded that granting a central bank more independence will always cause a reduction in that country's inflation rate.

Advising on Monetary Policy Reform