A recession is a period of negative economic growth. In a recession, we see falling real GDP, falling average incomes and rising unemployment. This graph shows US economic growth 2001-2016. The period 2008-09 shows the deep recession, where real GDP fell sharply. Other things we are likely to see in a recession 1. Unemployment The …
The March 1981 UK budget was controversial. In a period of rising unemployment, recession and high inflation. The government pursued deflationary fiscal policy trying to reduce inflation. The chancellor increased taxes by a total of £4 billion, with the aim of reducing inflation and reducing the budget deficit. Tax measures included A new 20% tax …
Definition: Structural unemployment is caused by a mismatch of skills between the unemployed and available jobs. Structural unemployed is caused by changes in the economy, such as deindustrialisation, which leaves some unemployed workers unable to find work in new industries with different skill requirements. Structural unemployment occurs even during periods of strong economic growth. It …
A look at the economic effects of a cut in interest rates. Summary Lower interest rates make it cheaper to borrow. This tends to encourage spending and investment. This leads to higher aggregate demand (AD) and economic growth. This increase in AD may also cause inflationary pressures. In theory, lower interest rates will: Reduce the …
A current account deficit occurs when the value of imports (of goods/services/inv. incomes) is greater than the value of exports. Policies to reduce a current account deficit involve: Devaluation of exchange rate (make exports cheaper – imports more expensive) Reduce domestic consumption and spending on imports (e.g. tight fiscal policy/higher taxes) Supply side policies to …
In summary, to reduce poverty, government policies could include: Means-tested welfare benefits to the poorest in society; for example, unemployment benefit, food stamps, income support and housing benefit. Minimum wages. Regulation of labour markets, for example, statutory minimum wages Free market policies to promote economic growth – hoping that rising living standards will filter down …
Definition – A mixed economy means that part of the economy is left to the free market, and part of it is managed by the government. Mixed economies start from the basis of allowing private enterprise to run most businesses. Then the governments intervene in certain areas of the economy, such as providing public services …
Definition of expansionary fiscal policy. This involves the government seeking to increase aggregate demand – through higher government spending and/or lower tax. Expansionary fiscal policy is usually financed by increased government borrowing – and selling bonds to the private sector. Keynes said expansionary fiscal policy should be used during a recession – when there is …