Definition: The fiscal stance of a government refers to how its level of spending and taxation impact on aggregate demand and economic growth. Higher taxes and a budget surplus is seen as fiscal consolidation or deflationary stance. A budget deficit has an expansionary impact. A fiscal stance can be expansionary, neutral or deflationary. Expansionary stance: …
Definition of fiscal policy Fiscal policy involves the government changing the levels of taxation and government spending in order to influence aggregate demand (AD) and the level of economic activity. AD is the total level of planned expenditure in an economy (AD = C+ I + G + X – M) The purpose of Fiscal …
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 …
An explanation of the difference between horizontal and vertical equity. Horizontal equity implies that we give the same treatment to people in an identical situation. E.g. if two people earn £15,000 they should both pay the same amount of income tax (e.g. £2,500). Horizontal equity makes sure we don’t have discrimination on the grounds such …
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 …
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 …
Readers Question: What do you understand by the terms ‘monetary policy’ and ‘fiscal policy’? Explain with reference to a country of your choice:- a) How these policies have been used by the government to try to achieve its objectives Definition – monetary and fiscal policy Monetary policy is managed by the Bank of England. They have …
Definition of tight fiscal policy Tight fiscal policy involves increasing the rate of tax and/or cutting government spending. It is sometimes known as deflationary fiscal policy and aims to improve government finances Purpose of tight fiscal policy The aim of tight fiscal policy could be either Reduce inflationary pressure by reducing the growth of aggregate …