Readers Question: It has been suggested in a philosophy/economics class that I am taking that given the current state of income inequality between the 1% and 99%, that a period of stagflation might be an effective equalizer. I don’t see it. Any thoughts? Stagflation is a period of negative economic growth (or very low growth) …
Readers Question: Can you please discuss the nature of the current account deficit and the exchange rate in the UK along with the theory that would suggest there is a relationship between the exchange rate and the current account. A current account deficit implies the value of imports of (goods/services/investment incomes) is greater than the …
How can a change in the terms of trade affect the balance of payments ? How can a change in the balance of trade affect the terms of payments ? The terms of trade is the index of export prices divided by index of import prices (*100) The current account balance of payments is primarily …
Readers Question: what are the benefits and costs of a tariff on consumers, producers, employment levels and the government? The effect of tariffs on consumers Tariffs increase the cost of imports, leading to higher prices (P1 to P2) for consumers and a decline in consumer surplus. For example, UK consumers have lost out from EU …
Definition deflationary gap – This is the difference between the full employment level of output and actual output. For example, in a recession, the deflationary gap may be quite substantial, indicative of the high rates of unemployment and underused resources. A deflationary gap is also known as a negative output gap. Causes of deflationary gap Fall …
Readers Question: What influences consumer spending Consumption is financed primarily out of our income. Therefore real wages will be an important determinant, but consumer spending is also influenced by other factors, such as interest rates, inflation, confidence, saving rates and availability of finance. Interest Rates – Interest Rates influence the cost of borrowing and mortgage …
Definition of Ricardian equivalence This is the idea that consumers anticipate the future so if they receive a tax cut financed by government borrowing they anticipate future taxes will rise. Therefore, their lifetime income remains unchanged and so consumer spending remains unchanged. Similarly, higher government spending, financed by borrowing, will imply lower spending in the …
Definition Quantitative Easing. This involves the Central Bank increasing the money supply and using these electronically created funds to buy government bonds or other securities. Quantitative easing is a form of expansionary monetary policy. It is usually used in a liquidity trap – when base interest rates cannot be cut any further. Aim of Quantitative …