A current account deficit means the value of imports of goods/services / investment incomes is greater than the value of exports. It is sometimes referred to as a trade deficit. Though a trade deficit (goods) is only part of the current account. If there is a current account deficit, it means there is a surplus …
Readers Question: How much are US economic policies are responsible for its current account deficit? At one stage, the US current account deficit reached 6.5% of GDP, which was one of the highest in the industrialised world. Since the early 1980s, the US has been running a persistent current account deficit. Reasons for the US …
In 1967, the UK government of Harold Wilson devalued the Pound from $2.80 to $2.40 (a devaluation of 14%). It was a major political event because the government had tried hard to avoid a devaluation, but felt forced into the decision because of a trade deficit, a weak domestic economy and external pressures from creditors. …
The aims of fiscal and monetary policy are similar. They could both be used to: Maintain positive economic growth (close to long-run trend rate of 2.5%) Aim for full employment Keep inflation low (inflation target of 2%) The principal aim of fiscal and monetary policy is to reduce cyclical fluctuations in the economic cycle. In …
Global economic imbalances refer to an unfair distribution of resources between different countries or it may refer to a one-sided trade situation. Global economic imbalances include Balance of Payments. Unbalanced trade between different economies, e.g. US trade deficit with China Unemployment levels, e.g. high unemployment in southern Europe versus low unemployment in US, UK. Poverty …
What are the problems of high government borrowing? The potential problems of government borrowing include; higher debt interest payments, a need to raise taxes in the future, crowding out of the private sector and – in some cases – inflationary pressures. Potential problems of high government borrowing Higher debt interest payments. As borrowing increases, the …
Does economic growth conflict with the objective of the balance of payments stability? UK economic growth and current account balance Both economic growth and balance of payments are macroeconomic objectives. Economic growth is an increase in real GDP – leading to higher living standards. Balance of payments stability refers to a sustainable or limited current …
Joining the Euro is supposed to be an irreversible decision. But, individual countries could always pass individual acts of parliament to leave the Euro. However, leaving aside all the political issues, there are many economic stumbling blocks. One problem is that countries generally would only consider leaving when there was a real economic crisis – …