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 capital mobility – easy for physical assets and finance to move across geographical boundaries. Capital immobility – when capital faces restrictions on the free movement. What is capital? Capital principally refers to physical capital – durable goods used in the production process – machines, factories. This physical capital is determined by levels of …
The main macroeconomic objectives of the government will include: low inflation, increasing the sustainable rate of economic growth full employment and balance of payments equilibrium. Full employment involves zero or very low unemployment. In practice, there will always be some frictional unemployment as people are looking for new jobs or leaving school. Economists suggest an …
Readers Question: Identify and explain clearly the determinants of a nation’s productive capacity. How does the concept of productive capacity differ from a nation’s actual GDP? A production possibility frontier shows potential output. Here an investment in capital goods enables the PPF curve to shift to the right. Factors that affect productive capacity A nation’s …
Consumer confidence is the outlook that consumers have towards the economy and their own personal financial situation. This outlook can be optimistic (high consumer confidence) or pessimistic (low consumer confidence) The level of consumer confidence will be an important factor that determines the willingness of consumers to spend, borrow and save. A high level of …
The 1920s are sometimes referred to as the ‘roaring twenties’, but for the UK economy, it was a period of depression, deflation and a steady decline in the UK’s former economic pre-eminence. In the US, the economy boomed on the back of mass production techniques, growing efficiency – and increasingly a credit bubble, which would …
Readers Question: Does expansionary monetary policy, where money supply is increased, also cause a depreciation in the currency? – Since there is a surplus of the currency in the foreign exchange market. Expansionary monetary policy means policies to increase demand in the economy. Expansionary monetary policy typically will involve: Lower interest rates – to make …