A22 Flashcards
Macro Economics
The study of how the whole economy works.
Mixed Economy
An economic system that allows both the state and market
mechanism to allocate resources, e.g. the UK has a mixed
economy.
Business Cycle
A measure of the regular fluctuations in the level of economic
activity.
Boom
The stage when an economy is at the peak of activity.
Recession
Income and output begin to fall and business confidence is
reduced.
Slump
The lowest point in the trade cycle – production is low,
businesses close and unemployment is high
Recovery
At this stage income will start to rise and business output will
increase, firms will invest more, consumers will start to increase
spending and businesses will start to recruit new workers.
Fiscal Policy
A policy designed to manage the level of aggregate demand in
the economy by changing the level of government spending or
taxation.
Direct Taxes
These are levied directly on individuals or businesses In the
general sense, a direct tax is one paid directly to the government
by the persons on whom it is imposed. Examples include
income taxes and corporate taxes.
Indirect Taxes
These are levied on spending on goods and services. E.g. VAT.
Monetary Policy
A policy designed to control the supply of money in the
economy.
Economic Growth
An indication of the change in output or income within the
economy.
GDP
Gross Domestic Product - a measure of economic activity but it
does not include net property income from abroad.
GNP
Gross National Product – a measure of the amount of income
generated as a result of a country’s economic activity.
Sustainable Growth
Growth which continues year on year.
Exchange Rates
The price of one currency in relation to another.
Unemployment
The number of people who are of working age but not in a job.
Seasonal Unemployment
Refers to people who work during a particular season e.g. the
Christmas period and then they are paid off once the season is
over.
Cyclical
Unemployment
Refers to unemployment that fluctuates with the business cycle.
Frictional Unemployment
This is caused by people moving from one job to another.
Structural Unemployment
This is caused by changes in the structure of the economy e.g.
decline of heavy industries in N.I.
Inflation
A continuing tendency for prices to rise.
Cost-Push Inflation
This inflation occurs when production costs rise and businesses
pass this onto consumers in the form of higher prices.
Demand-Pull Inflation
This inflation occurs when there is excessive spending in the
economy