MACRO 3 - Economic Performance Flashcards
What is short run economic growth?
the % increase in a country’s real GPD, usually measured annually
What is long run economic growth?
productive capacity of the economy is increasing, it refers to the trend rate growth of real national output over time
What is potential output?
what a country/economy could produce if resources were fully employed
What is a negative output gap?
the actual level of output is less than the potential level, this means downward pressure on inflation, and spare capacity
What is a positive output gap?
the actual level of output is more than the potential level of output, puts upwards pressure on inflation
Characteristics of a boom:
- high rates of economic growth
- near full capacity/positive output gap
- (near) full employment
- government budget improves (surplus)
- consumers & businesses have confidence
- increased inflation (over-heating)
Characteristics of a downturn:
- short run growth is decreasing
- increase in interest rates to combat inflation
- decreased business and consumer confidence
- tax revenue decreased, means government in a deficit
- decreased spending on imports
Characteristics of a recession:
- business and investment confidence is low
- low inflation (potentially deflation)
- decreased consumption
- increased unemployment
- increased gov spending on benefits
Characteristics of a recovery:
- low levels of short run economic growth
- increased consumer and business confidence
- decreased inflation
unemployment starts to plateau - using spare capacity
What is the economic cycle?
the repeated pattern of fluctuations in short run economic growth and how it differs from trend rate growth
What is sustainable economic growth?
growth that does not compromise the ability to grow in the future
What are automatic stabilisers?
fiscal changes that occur in the business cycle
Benefits of sustained economic growth:
- increased living standards
- job creation
- decreased poverty
- attractive investment location
Costs of sustained economic growth:
- inflation
- inequality
- negative externalists
- depletion of natural resources
Causes of the economic cycle:
- multiplier & accelerator effects
- inventory cycle
- asset price bubbles
- animal spirits
- excessive credits
- economic shocks
What is the natural rate of unemployment?
the level of unemployment that exists in an economy when it is operating at full potential or at long term equilibrium (4-5%)
What is unemployment?
the % of the economically active population who are willing and able to work, but are unable/don’t have a job (4.2% currently)
What is the Claimant count?
a measure of unemployment, how many people are claiming unemployment benefits (universal credit)
What is the labour force survey?
a measure of unemployment, a survey that means to be considered unemployed:
- 18 - 67 yrs
- willing and able to work
- actively seeking a job
What is long term unemployment?
unemployed for 12+ months
What is mass unemployment?
unemployment reaches 10%
What is hidden unemployment?
“Disguised unemployment”
the number of people who do not have to work, but are counted in the government reports e.g. stopped looking for a job
What is underemployment?
working less hours than you would like
What is the “Gig economy”?
short-term, flexible work e.g. Uber Eats or Deliveroo