Readers Question: What is the impact of persistent national debt on economic growth? Source: IMF (2012) In summary, there is no obvious link between national (public sector) debt and levels of economic growth. Both UK and US finished the Second World War with high levels of national debt – but this did not prevent rapid …
A few years ago, I wrote several posts about the need for a government to borrow in a recession. One thing I would have said is that when the economy recovers, tax receipts will automatically rise and the deficit will fall. You could almost say ‘solve unemployment and the deficit will take care of itself.’ …
Between 2009-16 the Portugal economic experienced a severe economic crisis – characterised by falling GDP, high unemployment, rising government debt and high bond yields. This was caused by a combination of the global recession, lack of competitiveness and limitations of being in the Euro. What caused the Portuguese economic crisis? In the period Q4 2o10 …
During 1980-81, the UK entered a recession – with falling output, rising unemployment and a fall in the inflation rate. The recession particularly hit manufacturing sector. The recession was caused by high-interest rates, an appreciation in Sterling and tight fiscal policy. In 1979, the incoming Conservative government inherited an economy with inflation in double figures. …
Outline some of the problems the economy might face in recovering from a period of recession. To recover from a recession there needs to be either a rise in AD or a readjustment in prices and wages. An increase in aggregate demand will increase GDP and help the economy recover from recession. Low Consumer …
Automatic stabilisers refer to how fiscal instruments will influence the rate of growth and help counter swings in the economic cycle. Automatic stabilisers will influence the size of government borrowing. Example of automatic stabilisers High Growth – In a period of high economic growth, automatic stabilisers will help to reduce the growth rate. With higher …
Definition of an economic boom A boom is a period of rapid economic expansion resulting in higher GDP, lower unemployment, a higher inflation rate and rising asset prices. Booms usually suggest the economy is overheating creating a positive output gap and inflationary pressures. A boom suggests the economy is growing at a faster rate than …
Definition A budget surplus occurs when tax revenue is greater than government spending. With a budget surplus, the government can use the surplus revenue to pay off public sector debt. Budget surpluses are quite rare in modern economies because of the temptation for politicians to spend more money and cut taxes. The UK experienced a …