Fiscal stance

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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: …

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Why is value of Yuan so important?

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Summary – impact of devaluation in Yuan If the Yuan falls in value, Chinese exports will become cheaper compared to other countries (e.g. US, India, EU) A falling Yuan will increase demand for Chinese goods contributing to higher growth in China. However, a fall in the Yuan will make US and Indian goods relatively more …

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Labour market regulation

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Government intervene in labour markets to overcome market failure, protect workers health and safety and to reduce inequality. Government labour market regulations include. Maximum working weeks Statutory minimum wages Legislation to prohibit discrimination Protection against unfair dismissal. Health and safety legislation Right to join trade unions Legislation to auto-enroll workers in private pensions Regulations about …

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Pros and cons of capital controls

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Capital controls are government measures to limit the flow of financial capital and financial assets. Capital controls include limits on foreign currency exchange, limits on the purchase of assets and taxes on financial transfers. Some economists argue that capital controls can help limit destabilising capital flows which cause banking crisis and economic booms and busts. …

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How much will a deep recession affect food prices?

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Food prices are typically fairly stable in a recession. If the recession is very deep and it leads to a period of deflation (fall in the general price level) then food prices may fall by a similar amount. US Deflation 1929-33 For example, in the great depression (1929-33), we saw a prolonged fall in prices. …

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How to reduce value of a currency

Sometimes governments may wish to reduce the value of their currency. A depreciation in the value of a currency would make exports cheaper, imports more expensive and can provide a boost to domestic demand. If the economy is stuck in recession or unemployment rising, reducing the value of a currency can help increase economic growth …

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Socialism vs Communism

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Both socialism and communism place great value on creating a more equal society and removal of class privilege. The main difference is that socialism is compatible with democracy and liberty, whereas Communism involves creating an ‘equal society’ through an authoritarian state, which denies basic liberties. Democratic socialism in the west involves participating in democracy to …

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Economic Depression – Definition

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There is no absolutely agreed definition to a depression. But I would define a depression as  A deep and long-lasting period of negative economic growth, with output falling for at least 12 months and GDP falling by over 10%. A depression means the economy experiences a significant fall in output, higher unemployment and disruption to …

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