The output gap is a measure of the difference between actual output (Y) and potential output (Yf). Output gap = Y- Yf A Negative Output Gap occurs when actual output is less than potential output gap. In a recession, a fall in Real GDP causes a negative output gap. However, it can become difficult to …
The effective exchange rate measures the value of a currency against a basket of other currencies. This exchange rate index is usually trade-weighted to take into account the relative importance of other currencies. When looking at the effective Sterling exchange rate we compare the value of Sterling against our main trading partners – The Euro, …
The Sahm rule is a way of predicting a recession from changes in the unemployment rate. “(The) Sahm Recession Indicator signals the start of a recession when the three-month moving average of the national unemployment rate (U3) rises by 0.50 percentage points or more relative to its low during the previous 12 months.” (Sahm Rule) …
Readers Question: what are the pros and cons of price control? Summary Price controls can take the form of maximum and minimum prices. Price controls can also be used to limit price increases as a way to try and reduce the rate of inflation. Maximum prices can reduce the price of food to make it …
GDP is gross domestic product – it is a measure of the total value of what is produced in an economy GNP is gross national product – a measure of the total income that stays in an economy. The difference is that GNP takes into account the net income flows (e.g. dividends) that are sent …
Periods of high oil prices frequently lead to periods of recession shortly after. There are two main reasons for this. Higher oil prices reduce disposable income leading to lower spending. Higher oil prices push up inflation causing Central Banks to increase interest rates. Oil prices and recession With oil prices rising above $100 because of …
This occurs when a firm or consumer has no option but to accept the price set by the market. When a firm is a price taker – it means they have no ability to set a price that they would like to charge. A price taker will lack market power. Conditions for being a price …
A graph showing net lending (+) and net borrowing (-) by sector in the UK economy. This shows how public borrowing is mirrored by a rise in private sector (household+corporate) saving. The two extremes are the financial crisis of 2009 and Covid lockdowns of 2021. In both cases, these events led to a rise in …