Macroeconomics – Notes and Essays

macroeconomic-objectives

Main topics in macroeconomics Balance of payments Policies to reduce current account deficit Budget deficit Policies to reduce budget deficit Economic growth Causes of Boom and Bust Cycles Policies to increase economic growth Theories of economic growth Recessions Environmental economics Fiscal policy Globalisation Exchange rates Effect of an appreciation Effect of devaluation European Union The …

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Problems of Chinese Economic Growth

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Since 1978 the Chinese economy has maintained economic growth at an average of nearly 8%. By western standards this is remarkable. The UK, by contrast, has grown at an average rate of 2.5%. However, despite the impressive figures, there are many serious economic problems resulting from economic growth. Chinese GDP In particular, the growth rate …

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Capital Flight

Definition of Capital Flight – When a large number of people in a country move capital and assets from one country to another. Usually in response to a political and/or economic crisis. For example, on news that the banks of Iceland were bankrupt, many investors took their savings out of Iceland and into other countries. …

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Disequilibrium

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Disequilibrium occurs when the markets fail to clear and find their final equilibrium point. Disequilibrium could occur if the price was below the market equilibrium price causing demand to be greater than supply, and therefore causing a shortage. Disequilibrium can occur due to factors such as government controls, non-profit maximising decisions and ‘sticky’ prices. Disequilibrium …

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US economic criticisms of China

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A significant issue in the US political economy is the perceived transgressions of Chinese economic policy. These tend to revolve around: Undervalued Yuan – making Chinese imports cheaper Current account (trade) deficit. China exports more goods and services than imports – switching demand from US firms to Chinese firms. Copyright infringements and lack of intellectual …

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Currency Speculation and Exchange Rate

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Readers Question: Hi! Can you explain why floating exchange rates reduce the risks of currency speculation? What are those risks? Thank you very much! Currency speculation is when investors feel the exchange rate is wrongly valued and so buy/sell currency in the hope of making a profit. For example, if a currency is pegged at …

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Advantages and disadvantages of devaluation

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Readers question: what are the advantages and disadvantages of devaluation? Devaluation is the decision to reduce the value of a currency in a fixed exchange rate. A devaluation means that the value of the currency falls. Domestic residents will find imports and foreign travel more expensive. However domestic exports will benefit from their exports becoming …

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The impact of a falling exchange rate

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A look at the economic impact of a fall in the exchange rate (termed depreciation or devaluation)  A fall in the exchange rate is known as a depreciation in the exchange rate (or devaluation in a fixed exchange rate system). It means the currency is worth less compared to other countries. When there is a …

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