Macro CH1 Summary Flashcards
Three definitions of GDP
measure of aggregate output
Production perspective:
1.GDP is the value of the final goods and services produced in an economy during a given period.
2. The sum of the value added to the economy during a given period.
Income perspective:
3. The sum of incomes in the economy during a given period
Nominal GDP
quantity of goods produced x the current price
Two reasons it increases:
1. Rise in production of goods
2. Rise in the price levels
Real GDP
quantity of goods produced x constant price level
Explanation (GDP adjusted for inflation):
A base year with certain prices is taken and only the changes in quantity and not price levels are taken into consideration.
- called: GDP in terms of goods, GDP at constant prices
- -> economic growth often defined as % change in real GDP
average price level of goods
aggregate price level
The best measure of the aggregate price level is probably the GDP price index.
The GDP price index is the ratio of nominal GDP to real GDP multiplied times 100.
labor force
employment + unemployment
discouraged workers are not part of the labor force. They gave up looking for a job.
unemployment rate
u= U/L
u = unemployment rate U= Unemployed people L= Labor force
participation rate
Labour force/ Total population of working age
Deflation
sustained decline in the price level; negative inflation rate
average standard of living
real GDP per capita
expansions
periods of positive GDP growth
recessions
periods of negative GDP growth
How to measure the inflation rate?
two measures of the price level:
- GDP deflator
- consumer price index
CPI consumer price index
measures the average price of consumption, or equivalently the cost of living
Pure inflation
prices and wages increase proportionally. Does not exist
Why do economists care about inflation?
During periods of inflation, not all prices and wages rise proportionately
Inflation leads to other distortions
When is the economy overheating?
When inflation increases and operates above its potential
What Is an Overheated Economy?
An overheated economy is one that has experienced a prolonged period of good economic growth and activity that has led to high levels of inflation (from increased consumer wealth). This sharp rise in prices causes inefficient supply allocations as producers overproduce and create excess production capacity in an attempt to capitalize on the high levels of wealth.
What determines the level of aggregate output in the short term?
by movements in demand for example due to changes in consumer confidence; leads to a decrease in output (a recession) or a increase in output (an expansion)
What determines the level of aggregate output in the medium run?
level of output is determined by supply factors: the capital stock, the level of technology and the size of the labor force
What determines the level of aggregate output in the long run?
factors like the education system, the saving rate, and the role of the government
C in the decomposition of GDP
consumption.
These are goods and services purchased by consumers
The largest component of GDP
I in the decomposition of GDP
Investment (I), also called fixed investment.
What is fixed investment made up of?
Sum of non-residential investment (purchase by firms of new plants or new machinery)
and residential investment (purchase of new houses)
G in the decomposition of GDP
G government spending. Purchase of goods and services by the national, regional and local governments.
Note: Does not include government transfers, like unemployment benefits and pensions, not interest payments on the government debt. They are not purchases of goods and services.
IM in the decomposition of GDP
IM imports; these are subtracted from the GDP formula
X in the decomposition of GDP
the purchase of domestic goods and services by foreigners.
What is the difference between exports and imports called?
(X-IM) is called net exports (NX), or the trade balance.
What is a trade surplus?
If exports exceed imports
What is a trade deficit?
If imports exceed exports.
inventory investment
Inventory investment = Production - Sales
the difference between production and sales
Some of the goods produced in a given year are not sold in that year..
Total demand for goods symbol
Z
What is disposable income and what is the symbol?
Yd;
income that remains once consumers have received transfers from the government and paid their taxes.
endogenous
variables depending on other variables in the model