Final answer:
Interest rates play a significant role in determining buying power. Higher interest rates decrease buying power, while lower interest rates increase buying power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interest rates play a significant role in determining buying power. Higher interest rates decrease buying power, while lower interest rates increase buying power. This is because higher interest rates make borrowing more expensive, reducing consumption and investment spending. On the other hand, lower interest rates stimulate borrowing and investment spending.