Unit 2 Flashcards
(335 cards)
What is Macroeconomics?
The performance of an economy as a whole
How many Macroeconomic Objectives are there?
Seven
What are the Macroeconomic Objectives?
- Economic Growth
- Low Unemployment
- Low + Stable Inflation
- Balance of Payments Equilibrium on Current Account
- Balanced government budget
- Protection of the Environment
- Greater Income Equality
What are the 4 Main Macroeconomic Objectives, and what do these aim to provide?
Economic Growth
Low + Stable Inflation
Low Unemployment
Balance of Payments Equilibrium on Current Account
These aim to provide macro-stability.
What is Economic Growth as an objective?
In the UK, the long run trend of economic growth is about 2.5%.
Governments aim to have sustainable economic growth for the long run.
In emerging markets/ developing economies, governments might aim to increase economic development before economic growth.
What is Low Unemployment as an objective?
Governments aim to have as near to full employment as possible. They account for frictional unemployment by aiming for an unemployment rate of around 3%. The labour force should also be employed in productive work.
What is Low and Stable Inflation as an objective?
In the UK, the government inflation target is 2%, measured with CPI.
This aims to provide price stability for firms and consumers, and will help them make decisions for the long run. If the inflation rate falls 1% outside this target, the Governor of the Bank of England has to write a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to explain why this happened and what the Bank intends to do about it.
What is BoP Equilibrium as an objective?
Governments aim for the current account to be satisfactory, so there is not a large deficit. This is usually near to equilibrium.
A balance of payments equilibrium on the current account means the country can sustainably finance the current account, which is important for long term growth.
What is Balanced Government Budget as an objective?
This ensures the government keeps control of state borrowing, so the national debt does not escalate. This allows governments to borrow cheaply in the future should they need to, and makes repayment easier.
What is Protection of the Environment as an objective?
This aims to provide long run environmental stability. It ensures resources used are not exploited, such as oil and natural gas, and that they are used sustainably, so future generations can access them too. Moreover, it means there is not excessive pollution.
What is Greater Income Inequality as an objective?
Income and wealth should be distributed equitably, so the gap between the rich and poor is not extreme. It is generally associated with a fairer society.
What is GDP?
Gross Domestic Product
GDP is the total market value of all goods + services produced in the country in a given year.
GDP does not include earnings by its residents while outside of the country
For example, the Toyota company is in the UK- that will be included in GDP.
What is GNP?
Gross National Product
(In reference to the UK)
Everything that is produced by UK businesses + workers, regardless of where they are in the world.
- For example, the Toyota company runs in the UK, but is part of Japan’s GNP, and not the UK’s.
What is GNI?
Gross National Income
GDP, plus Income paid into the Country by Other Countries, for such things as Interest + Dividends, Overseas Profits, etc.
How do you Calculate Real GDP?
Quantity of Product x Price of Product in Base Year
What is the More Useful GDP to measure Standard of Living, and Why?
Real GDP
- Nominal GDP is always exaggerated, and it’s not a true reflection of the country’s GDP.
- You need to consider Real GDP in order to have a reflection of the country’s living standards.
What is the GDP Deflator Formula?
( Nominal GDP / Real GDP ) x 100%
What is Nominal GDP?
The value of Goods + Services measured using Current Prices
Aka, it includes Inflation/ doesn’t adjust inflation
What is Real GDP?
The Value of Goods + Services at Constant Prices
It is adjusted for inflation
What is Meant by GDP Per Capita?
Income per Person
Usually measured as an average of the Whole Population
How do you Measure GDP Per Capita?
Country’s GDP / Country’s Population
What are the Advantages of GDP?
- Frequent: GDP is usually provided on a Quarterly basis
- Used Widely: Practically every country in the world uses some sort of GDP
- Consistent: Measured consistently
- Easy to Calculate + Interpret
Why is National Income Measured?
- The government + economists use the figures to Forecast Changes in the Economy
- Helps the government to make decisions about Taxes + Government Spending
- Helps make Comparisons Over Time
- Helps make Comparisons Between Countries
- Helps make judgements about Economic Welfare + Standard of Living
What are the Limits to GDP as a measure of Economic Growth?
- Inaccurate: Methods of Recording GDP are Imprecise
- Unpaid Work: Doesn’t take into account charity work/ volunteering
- Subsistence: Farmers may Consume what they Produce, which isn’t included in GDP
- Black Market: Doesn’t take into Account the Black Market