Inflation represents the overall rise in prices across the economy. As inflation increases, the costs of raw materials and wages typically rise. Labour costs for manufacturers increase because employees demand higher wages to compensate for the loss of purchasing power caused by inflation. Additionally, higher labour costs directly impact the profit margins of companies, particularly in manufacturing industries.
Other options are incorrect because:
* A. Price-earnings multiplestend to decrease as inflation rises due to reduced earnings growth expectations and higher discount rates.
* C. Common share pricesmay decline as inflation reduces consumer spending and corporate earnings.
* D. Corporate bond pricestend to fall as inflation erodes the fixed interest payments and leads to higher interest rates.