Monetary policy involves using interest rates and other monetary tools to influence the levels of consumer spending and aggregate demand (AD). In particular monetary policy aims to stabilise the economic cycle – keep inflation low and avoid recessions. Aim of monetary policy Low inflation. UK target is CPI 2% +/-1. Low inflation is considered an important …
The misery index (sometimes known as the Economic Discomfort Index EDI ) is simply the sum of the inflation rate plus the unemployment rate. The higher the combined score, the worse the economic situation. The Misery index was developed by economist Arthur Okun. Where Unemployment rate (ut) and the current inflation rate (πt) High unemployment …
Economic growth means an increase in real GDP – an increase in the value of national output, income and expenditure. Essentially the benefit of economic growth is higher living standards – higher real incomes and the ability to devote more resources to areas like health care and education. Video summary The benefits of economic growth …
Deflation is defined as a fall in the general price level. It is a negative rate of inflation. The problem with deflation is that often it can contribute to lower economic growth. This is because deflation increases the real value of debt – and therefore reducing the spending power of firms and consumers. Also, falling …
The marginal propensity to consume (MPC) measures the proportion of extra income that is spent on consumption. For example, if an individual gains an extra £10, and spends £7.50, then the marginal propensity to consume will be £7.5/10 = 0.75. The MPC will invariably be between 0 and 1. The marginal propensity to consume measures …
Readers Question: ‘Society may come to the view that too much inequality is unacceptable or undesirable’ Assess whether inequality can cause economic problems, such as market failure. What are the advantages and disadvantages of inequality? Inequality means there is a gap between the highest income earners and the lowest income earners. (inequality can also relate …
Supply side policies are efforts to increase competitiveness and efficiency in the economy. They can include policies such as tax cuts, privatisation, investment in education and more flexible labour markets. Usually, supply side policies are long-term efforts to increase productivity and the long-run trend rate of growth. The traditional solution to a recession is to …
The great recession refers to the economic downturn between 2008 and 2013. The recession began after the 2007/08 global credit crunch and led to a prolonged period of low/negative growth, rising unemployment and a period of fiscal austerity. In particular, the great recession highlighted problems within the Eurozone which experienced a double-dip recession and high …