Macro Note Half
Macro Note Half
Define macroeconomics.
Macroeconomics is a branch of economics that studies the behavior of an overall economy, which encompasses markets,
businesses, consumers, and governments. Macroeconomics examines economy-wide phenomena such as inflation, price
levels, rate of economic growth, national income, gross domestic product (GDP), and changes in unemployment.
The aggregation problem in macroeconomics refers to the difficulty of using data on individual economic actors (firms,
households) to understand the behavior of the entire economy. It's like trying to understand a forest by only examining
a few trees. Here's the crux of the issue:
Micro vs. Macro: Microeconomics studies individual decision-making by firms and consumers. Macroeconomics looks at
the whole economy and analyzes aggregates like total output (GDP), unemployment, and inflation.
The Challenge: What holds true for a single firm or household might not hold true for the entire economy. Just because
many firms save more doesn't necessarily mean it benefits the whole economy (paradox of thrift).
Examples of Issues:
Heterogeneity: Firms and households are different. Some firms might invest more even if others save, mitigating
the paradox of thrift effect.
Interactions: Individual actions can have unintended consequences on the broader economy. Mass layoffs by firms
can worsen a recession.
Impact on Models:
Macroeconomic models that rely heavily on microeconomic principles need to consider these limitations.
Economists might need to account for the distribution of behaviors (how many firms behave a certain way) rather than
just averages.
In essence, the aggregation problem highlights the need for economic models that consider not just individual decisions
but also how these choices interact and influence the entire economic system.
The calculation of the national income of a country is a task full of difficulties and complexities. The following difficulties
generally arise while estimating national income.
1) Transfer payments: Individuals get pension, unemployment allowance, but whether these should be included in
national income is difficult problem. On one hand, these earnings are a part of individual income and, on the other, they
are government expenditure. Therefore, these transfer payments are ignored from national income.
2) Income of foreign firms: According to IMF view-point, income of a foreign firm, should be included in the national
income of the country, where the firm actually undertakes production work. However, profits earned by foreign firms are
credited to the parent concern.
3) Unpaid services: National income is always measured in money, but there are a number of goods and services which
are difficult to be assessed in terms of money. For example, painting as a hobby by an individual, the bringing up of
children by the mother, these services are not included in national income as remuneration is not given to them. Also,
services of housewives and the services provided out of love, affection; mercy, sympathy and charity are not included in
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national income, as they are not paid for. By excluding all such services from it, the national income will work out to be
less than what it actually is.
4) Incomes from illegal activities: Income earned through illegal activities such as gambling, black marketing, theft,
smuggling etc., is not included in national income. Such goods and services do have value and meet the needs of the
consumers. Thus, to that extent national income is underestimated.
5) Treatment of government sector: Government provides a number of public services like defense, public
administration, law and order etc. Measuring the market value of such government services is difficult; as the real value
of these services is not known, therefore it has become a convention to treat all such services as final consumption.
Hence, it is included in national income.
6) Production for self-consumption: Goods produced for self-consumption such as food grains, vegetables and other
farm products do not enter in the market. But the value of such goods should be estimated at the rate of market price
that have been marketed and should be included in national income.
7) Changing price levels: The difficulty of price changes arises in the national income estimate, when the price level in
the country rises, the national income also shows an increase even though the production might have fallen and when
price level falls., National Income may show a decrease even though production may have increased.
What is GDP deflator? How is it calculated and what information does it provide about price changes in an economy?
The gross domestic product (GDP) price deflator is a formula that measures the amount that the real value of an
economy's total output is reduced by inflation. The GDP deflator formula takes into account the value of all final goods
including exports. It does not factor in the prices of imports.
The GDP deflator is calculated as follows:
GDP Deflator = (Nominal GDP / Real GDP) * 100
Nominal GDP: The total value of goods and services produced in a country at current market prices.
Real GDP: The total value of goods and services produced in a country at constant prices (adjusted for inflation).
The GDP deflator provides information about price changes in the economy by:
Measuring Inflation: A rise in the GDP deflator indicates inflation, meaning prices are rising on average. Conversely, a
decline suggests deflation, where prices are falling.
Adjusting Nominal GDP to Real GDP: By dividing nominal GDP by the GDP deflator, we can convert it into real GDP,
which is a better measure of economic growth as it removes the effects of price changes.
Assessing Price Changes: The percentage change in the GDP deflator measures the overall price level change in the
economy.
Explain the process of calculating the Consumer Price Index (CPI). What items are included in the "basket of goods" and
how are their weights determined? Provide a hypothetical example of calculating the CPI.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures how much the prices of everyday items have gone up or down over time. It
helps track inflation, or how much more expensive things are getting.
Steps to Calculate the CPI:
Choose a Base Year: Pick a year to compare prices against (e.g., 2020). In this year, the CPI is set to 100.
Make a "Basket of Goods": This basket includes things that people usually buy, like food, rent, clothes, fuel, etc.
Assign Weights: Some things in the basket are more important because people spend more money on them. For
example, rent might get 50% weight because it's a big part of expenses, while food might get 20% weight.
Collect Prices: Gather the prices of the goods in the basket for both the base year and the current year.
Calculate the CPI: Use this formula
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Let’s say we want to calculate the CPI for a simple basket of goods containing three items: milk, rent, and gasoline. We
will compare the prices in the base year (2020) with the prices in the current year (2024). Each item has a different
weight based on how much consumers typically spend on it.
The CPI for 2024 is 120.08, which means that prices have increased by 20.08% since the base year (2020). This indicates
inflation, as it shows the overall cost of goods and services in the basket has gone up by that percentage.
What equilibrates the demand for and supply of goods and services? What ensures that desired spending on
consumption, investment, and government purchases equals the level of production?
In an economy, the equilibrium between the demand for and supply of goods and services is achieved when aggregate
demand (AD) equals aggregate supply (AS). This is ensured through several key mechanisms:
Price Adjustments: Prices play a crucial role in balancing demand and supply. When demand exceeds supply, prices rise,
reducing demand and encouraging more production. Conversely, when supply exceeds demand, prices fall, stimulating
demand and reducing production until equilibrium is restored.
Interest Rate Adjustments: Interest rates influence both consumption and investment. Higher interest rates reduce
consumer spending and investment, helping to lower demand. On the other hand, lower interest rates stimulate demand
by encouraging borrowing and spending, bringing it in line with supply.
Wage Adjustments: Wages also adjust in response to the demand for labor. Higher demand for goods increases demand
for labor, which raises wages and production costs, helping to balance supply and demand.
To ensure that desired spending on consumption, investment, and government purchases equals production, the
following mechanisms are essential:
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Aggregate Demand Components: The total demand (AD) is the sum of consumption (C), investment (I), government
spending (G), and net exports (X - M). For the economy to be in equilibrium, total spending (AD) must equal total
production (Y).
AD=C+I+G+(X−M)
Savings and Investment Balance: The balance between savings and investment is critical. Interest rates adjust to ensure
that savings equal investment, aligning spending with production.
Government and Monetary Policies: Fiscal policy (government spending and taxes) and monetary policy (adjustments in
the money supply and interest rates) are used to manage demand. When demand is too high or too low relative to
production, these policies help bring the economy back to equilibrium.
In summary, equilibrium in the economy is maintained through the interplay of prices, wages, interest rates, and
government/monetary policies, ensuring that total demand matches the supply of goods and services.
Use the model of supply and demand to explain how a fall in the price of frozen yogurt would affect the price of ice
cream and the quantity of ice cream sold. In your explanation, identify the exogenous and endogenous variables.
A fall in the price of frozen yogurt would likely lead to a decrease in the price of ice cream and the quantity of ice cream
sold due to their relationship as substitute goods in the model of supply and demand
In the model of supply and demand, a fall in the price of frozen yogurt would likely lead to a decrease in the demand for
ice cream. This is because frozen yogurt and ice cream are considered substitute goods, meaning that when the price of
one decreases, consumers are more likely to choose that option over the other. As a result, the demand for ice cream
would decrease due to the lower price of frozen yogurt
The price of ice cream would likely decrease as well due to the decrease in demand resulting from the fall in the price of
frozen yogurt. This decrease in price would help to stimulate the demand for ice cream to some extent, but the overall
effect would still be a decrease in the price of ice cream
The quantity of ice cream sold would also decrease as a result of the fall in the price of frozen yogurt. With consumers
shifting their preferences towards the cheaper frozen yogurt, the quantity of ice cream demanded would decrease,
leading to a decrease in the quantity of ice cream sold
In this scenario, the exogenous variables are the price of frozen yogurt and consumer preferences, as these are external
factors that influence the demand for ice cream. The endogenous variables are the price of ice cream and the quantity
of ice cream sold, as these are directly impacted by changes in the price of frozen yogurt and consumer behavior.
Explain the concepts of Nominal GDP and Real GDP. How do they differ and why is it important to distinguish between
them in economic analysis?
Nominal GDP and Real GDP are key measures of a country’s economic output, but they differ in how they account for
price changes over time, making it essential to distinguish between them in economic analysis.
Nominal GDP: Nominal GDP represents the total value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a
given period, measured at current prices. It reflects the value of output using the prices that are in effect at the time of
production. For example, if the GDP of a country is $1 trillion in 2024, that is its nominal GDP at 2024 prices. However,
nominal GDP can be misleading as it does not differentiate whether the change in value is due to an increase in actual
production or a rise in prices (inflation).
Real GDP: Real GDP, on the other hand, measures the total value of goods and services produced, but adjusted for
inflation or price changes. It uses constant prices, typically based on a base year, to remove the effects of inflation,
allowing for a clearer understanding of the true growth in the economy. For instance, Real GDP in 2024 would be
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expressed in the prices of a chosen base year (e.g., 2020), making it easier to see whether the increase in GDP is due to
more production rather than higher prices.
Key Differences
Price Level: Nominal GDP is affected by current price levels (inflation or deflation), whereas Real GDP adjusts for price
changes to give a more accurate picture of production.
Economic Growth: While nominal GDP can rise due to inflation, Real GDP shows the actual growth in goods and services
by holding prices constant.
Comparison Over Time: Real GDP allows for meaningful comparisons of economic performance over different periods by
excluding the effects of changing prices, while nominal GDP does not.
Importance of Distinguishing Between Nominal and Real GDP: Distinguishing between these two measures is critical in
economic analysis. Nominal GDP may overstate growth if inflation is high, while Real GDP provides a more accurate
measure of an economy's productivity by reflecting changes in actual output. This distinction is vital for policymakers, as
they rely on Real GDP to assess the true state of the economy and make informed decisions about fiscal and monetary
policy. For instance, a rise in nominal GDP may not indicate real growth if it is driven by inflation rather than an increase
in output, which could mislead decisions on interest rates or government spending.
In summary, Nominal GDP measures output at current prices, while Real GDP adjusts for inflation, reflecting the actual
change in production. Understanding the difference is crucial for accurately analyzing economic growth and making
sound policy decisions.
Consider the following table showing the various economic data (in billions). By using necessary data, you have to
calculate the GDP using the expenditures approach.
GDP=C+I+G+(X−M)
Where:
C: Consumption (spending on goods and services)
I: Investment (gross private domestic investment)
G: Government spending (state and local purchases)
X: Exports
M: Imports
Consumption: Durable goods ($33) + non-durable goods ($25) + Services ($14) = $72 billion
Calculating GDP:
GDP = $72 billion + $55 billion + $35 billion + (-$6 billion) = $156 billion
What is monetary policy? Explain the role of central banks in implementing monetary policy.
Monetary policy refers to the actions taken by a country's central bank to manage the money supply and influence
interest rates with the goal of achieving macroeconomic objectives such as controlling inflation, promoting economic
growth, and maintaining employment levels. It is a key tool for ensuring economic stability and managing economic
cycles.
Central banks, such as the Federal Reserve in the U.S. or the European Central Bank (ECB), play a crucial role in
executing monetary policy. They have several tools at their disposal to influence the economy by adjusting interest rates
and controlling the money supply. Central banks play a crucial role in implementing monetary policy. They are
responsible for:
Open market operations: Buying and selling government bonds in the open market to influence the money supply.
When a central bank buys bonds, it injects money into the economy, increasing the money supply. Conversely, when it
sells bonds, it removes money from circulation, decreasing the money supply.
Discount rate: The interest rate at which central banks lend money to commercial banks. By lowering the discount rate,
central banks make it cheaper for commercial banks to borrow money, which encourages them to lend more to
businesses and consumers, increasing the money supply. Conversely, raising the discount rate makes it more expensive
for commercial banks to borrow, discouraging lending and reducing the money supply.
Reserve requirements: The minimum amount of reserves that commercial banks must hold against their deposits. By
lowering reserve requirements, central banks allow commercial banks to lend more money, increasing the money supply.
Conversely, raising reserve requirements forces commercial banks to hold more reserves, reducing their lending capacity
and decreasing the money supply.
Through these tools, central banks can influence interest rates, the availability of credit, and ultimately, the overall level
of economic activity. By effectively managing monetary policy, central banks can help to stabilize the economy, promote
growth, and maintain price stability.
What are the main tools of monetary policy and how do they affect interest rate and the supply of money?
Monetary policy employs several tools to manage the economy, particularly through influencing interest rates and the
money supply. The main tools are:
Open Market Operations (OMOs): This involves the buying and selling of government securities by the central bank.
Impact on Money Supply: Buying securities injects money into the banking system, increasing the money supply, while
selling securities withdraws money, decreasing the money supply.
Impact on Interest Rates: An increase in the money supply generally lowers interest rates, while a decrease in the money
supply tends to raise interest rates.
Discount Rate: This is the interest rate charged by the central bank on loans to commercial banks.
Impact on Money Supply: Lowering the discount rate makes borrowing cheaper for banks, encouraging them to lend
more, which increases the money supply. Raising the rate has the opposite effect.
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Impact on Interest Rates: A lower discount rate usually results in lower interest rates in the broader economy, whereas a
higher rate leads to higher interest rates.
Reserve Requirements: This is the percentage of deposits that banks must keep as reserves and not lend out.
Impact on Money Supply: Reducing reserve requirements allows banks to lend more, increasing the money supply.
Increasing requirements restricts lending and reduces the money supply.
Impact on Interest Rates: Changes in reserve requirements affect how much money banks can lend, indirectly influencing
interest rates. More lending typically lowers interest rates, while less lending raises them.
Interest on Reserves: This is the interest rate paid by the central bank on reserves held by commercial banks.
Impact on Money Supply: Higher interest rates on reserves encourage banks to hold more reserves and lend less,
reducing the money supply. Lower rates encourage more lending, increasing the money supply.
Impact on Interest Rates: This rate sets a floor for short-term interest rates. Higher rates lead to higher short-term
interest rates, while lower rates can lead to lower rates.
In summary, these tools allow the central bank to influence economic activity by adjusting the availability of money and
the cost of borrowing.
The Cobb-Douglas production function is a mathematical model used in economics to represent the relationship
between inputs and outputs in the production process. It’s particularly useful for understanding how different factors of
production contribute to output.
where:
Y is the total output.
A is the total factor productivity, which represents the efficiency with which inputs are used.
L is the quantity of labor.
K is the quantity of capital.
α and β are the output elasticities of labor and capital, respectively. They represent the percentage change in output
resulting from a one percent change in labor or capital, holding all other factors constant.
Y = F(L,K).
An increase in output is lead typically by improvements to technology or an increase in one of the factors of production.
The factors of production and the available production technology determine the amount of output an economy can
produce. Factors of production are the inputs used to produce goods and services (capital, and labor). Production
technology determines how much output can be produced from any given amounts of these inputs (described by the
production function). Increasing one of the factors of production or improving technology will increase the economy's
output.
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In the Solow model, how does the rate of population growth affect the steady-state level of income?
In the Solow growth model, the steady-state level of income per capita is influenced by several factors, including the rate
of population growth. Here’s how population growth affects the steady-state level of income:
Capital Dilution: As the population grows, more capital is needed to maintain the same level of capital per worker. If the
economy does not increase its savings and investment proportionately, the capital per worker will decrease. This is
known as capital dilution.
Steady-State Income Per Capita: The steady-state level of income per capita (y*) is inversely related to the population
growth rate. Higher population growth leads to a lower steady-state income per capita, as the existing capital stock must
be spread over a larger number of workers.
In the Solow model, the steady-state level of capital per worker can be represented as:
Where:
- s is the savings rate,
- δ is the depreciation rate,
- n is the population growth rate,
- α is the output elasticity of capital.
Inflation: Inflation is a quantitative measure of how quickly the prices of goods in an economy are increasing. Inflation
occurs when goods and services are in high demand, thus creating a drop in availability (supply) and a consequential
raising of prices. It's sometimes referred to as too many dollars chasing too few goods.
Deflation: Deflation is a general decline in prices for goods and services, typically associated with a contraction in the
supply of money and credit in the economy. During deflation, the purchasing power of currency rises over time.
Stagflation: Stagflation is a combination of inflation and economic stagnation. It occurs when the economy is
experiencing high inflation and high unemployment at the same time. This is a particularly challenging economic
situation because it presents policymakers with a difficult trade-off between addressing inflation and reducing
unemployment.
Constant returns to scale refers to a situation where increasing the inputs used in production by a certain percentage
leads to an equal percentage increase in output. In other words, if all inputs are increased by a certain factor, the output
will also increase by the same factor.
The role of constant returns to scale in the distribution of income is that it helps to ensure a fair and equitable
distribution of income among different factors of production. When there are constant returns to scale, the distribution
of income is not biased towards any particular factor of production, such as labor or capital.
In a situation of constant returns to scale, each factor of production receives a proportionate share of the total income
generated. This means that the rewards to labor, capital, and other factors of production are in line with their respective
contributions to the production process.
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For example, if labor and capital contribute equally to the production process, they will receive an equal share of the
income generated. This helps to prevent income inequality and ensures that each factor of production is fairly
compensated for its contribution.
Overall, constant returns to scale play a crucial role in promoting a more equitable distribution of income by ensuring
that each factor of production receives a fair share of the income generated.
Explain what happens to consumption, investment, and the interest rate when the government increases taxes.
When the government raises taxes, families have less money to spend. Tax increases result in a drop in consumption.
Increased taxes, which resulted in a drop in spending, must be followed by a rise in investment, but this requires
lowering interest rates as well. As taxes are raised, consumption falls, resulting in a drop in output/income. The demand
for money is reduced as income falls. Given that the supply of money is fixed, the interest rate must fall in order to
preserve equilibrium by increasing the demand for money.
Therefore, there is fall in consumption and interest rates followed by increase in investment due to increase in taxes.
Increase in taxes lead to fall in consumption. As these components fall, the AD curve will move back to the left.
Define the term “Macroeconomics”. What are the main components of macroeconomics?
Macroeconomics is the branch of economics that studies the behavior and performance of an economy as a whole. It
focuses on aggregate changes and the overall functioning of the economy, rather than individual markets. The main
components of macroeconomics include:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Measures the total value of all goods and services produced in a country over a specific
time period, used to gauge economic performance and growth.
Unemployment: The percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment. Types include
cyclical, structural, frictional, and seasonal.
Inflation: The rate at which prices for goods and services rise, reducing purchasing power. Measured by indices like the
Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI).
Monetary Policy: Central bank actions to control the money supply and interest rates to manage inflation, employment,
and currency stability.
Fiscal Policy: Government spending and taxation policies used to influence the economy, either expansionary (increasing
spending/cutting taxes) or contractionary (decreasing spending/increasing taxes).
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International Trade and Finance: Examines economic interactions between countries, including trade, investment, and
currency exchange.
Economic Growth: Long-term increase in a country’s productive capacity, often measured by GDP growth rates, driven
by capital accumulation, technological innovation, and labor force growth.
Business Cycles: Fluctuations in economic activity, including expansion, peak, contraction, and trough.
Aggregate Demand: Total demand for goods and services in an economy at a given price level.
Aggregate Supply: Total supply of goods and services that firms plan to sell during a specific time period.
These components are interrelated and help economists analyze and understand the overall health and dynamics of an
economy.
Explain how a fall in the price of tea would affect the price of the coffee and the quantity of coffee. In your explanation,
identify the exogenous and endogenous variable.
A fall in the price of tea could potentially affect the price and quantity of coffee through several channels:
Substitution Effect: If tea and coffee are considered substitutes, a decrease in the price of tea may lead consumers to
switch from tea to coffee, increasing the demand for coffee. This increased demand could put upward pressure on the
price of coffee, assuming that the supply of coffee remains constant.
Income Effect: A decrease in the price of tea could also leave consumers with more disposable income, assuming their
income remains unchanged. This increase in income may lead consumers to buy more coffee along with their increased
consumption of tea. As a result, the demand for coffee could increase, potentially leading to higher coffee prices.
Complementary Goods Effect: On the other hand, if tea and coffee are considered complementary goods (i.e., they are
consumed together), a decrease in the price of tea may lead to increased consumption of both tea and coffee. In this
case, the increase in demand for coffee resulting from higher consumption of tea could drive up the price of coffee.
In this scenario, the exogenous variable is the price of tea, as it is the external factor that is changing and influencing the
market. The endogenous variables are the price and quantity of coffee, as they are the variables within the coffee
market that may respond to changes in the exogenous variable (the price of tea).
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a
market basket of consumer goods and services. The CPI consists of a bundle of commonly purchased goods and services.
The CPI measures the changes in the purchasing power of a country’s currency, and the price level of a basket of goods
and services. It is used to assess price changes associated with the cost of living and is a key indicator of inflation. The CPI
reflects the cost of purchasing a fixed basket of goods and services, allowing for comparisons of price levels over time.
If inflation rises from 6 to 8 percent, what happens to real and nominal interest rates according to the Fisher effects?
According to the Fisher effect, nominal interest rates are expected to rise by the same amount as the increase in the
inflation rate. This means that if inflation rises from 6% to 8%, the nominal interest rate should increase by
approximately 2 percentage points, assuming that the real interest rate remains constant.
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Where i is the nominal interest rate, r is the real interest rate, and π is the inflation rate.
If the inflation rate increases from 6% to 8%, the nominal interest rate will also increase by approximately 2 percentage
points to maintain the same real interest rate. Therefore, if the initial nominal interest rate was, for example, 9%, it
would increase to approximately 11% (assuming the real interest rate remains unchanged).
The real interest rate, in this case, remains unchanged, as it is the difference between the nominal interest rate and the
inflation rate.
Why do economists build models?
Simplification: The real-world economy is incredibly complex, with countless factors influencing each other. Economic
models act as simplified representations, focusing on the most important variables and their relationships. This allows
economists to isolate and analyze these key drivers without getting bogged down in extraneous details.
Understanding: By manipulating the variables within a model, economists can gain a deeper understanding of how the
economy works. They can see how changes in one factor, like government spending, might impact other factors, like
inflation or unemployment. This helps illuminate cause-and-effect relationships and predict potential outcomes.
Prediction: Economic models can be used to forecast future economic conditions. By feeding in historical data and
assumptions about future trends, economists can generate predictions about growth, inflation, unemployment, and
other key indicators. These forecasts, while not perfect, can be valuable tools for businesses, policymakers, and
individuals making financial decisions.
Policy Analysis: Economic models are crucial for evaluating the potential effects of different policy decisions. By
simulating the impact of a proposed policy change within the model, economists can assess its effectiveness and
potential drawbacks before it's implemented in the real world. This helps policymakers make more informed choices.
Communication: Economic models can be powerful communication tools. They can be used to visually represent
complex economic concepts and relationships, making them easier for policymakers, the public, and other stakeholders
to understand.
What is fiat money? How the quantity of money is controlled by the central Bank of Bangladesh?
Fiat Money: Fiat money is a type of currency that is issued by a government and is not backed by a physical commodity
like gold or silver. Instead, its value is derived from the trust and authority of the government that issues it. The money is
declared to be legal tender for transactions and can be used to pay debts and purchase goods and services. The value of
fiat money is based on the stability of the issuing government and its ability to maintain economic stability.
Control of Money Supply by the Central Bank of Bangladesh: The Central Bank of Bangladesh, known as the Bangladesh
Bank, controls the quantity of money in the economy through various monetary policy tools and mechanisms:
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1. Open Market Operations (OMO): The Bangladesh Bank buys or sells government securities in the open market
to regulate the amount of money circulating in the economy. Buying securities injects money into the banking
system, while selling securities withdraws money from it.
2. Reserve Requirements: The central bank sets reserve requirements for commercial banks, which dictates the
minimum amount of reserves a bank must hold against deposits. By adjusting these requirements, the
Bangladesh Bank can influence the amount of money banks can lend out, thereby affecting the overall money
supply.
3. Discount Rate: The discount rate is the interest rate charged by the central bank on loans provided to
commercial banks. By raising or lowering this rate, the Bangladesh Bank can influence the cost of borrowing for
banks, which in turn affects their lending activities and the money supply.
4. Currency Issuance: The Bangladesh Bank has the exclusive authority to issue currency notes and coins. By
controlling the supply of physical currency, the central bank influences the money supply in the economy.
5. Liquidity Management: The Bangladesh Bank may use various tools to manage short-term liquidity in the
banking system to ensure stability and control over the money supply.
Through these mechanisms, the Central Bank of Bangladesh aims to achieve its monetary policy goals, such as
controlling inflation, managing economic growth, and maintaining financial stability.
What are the various ways in Which the central bank can influence the money supply?
The central bank has several tools and methods to influence the money supply in the economy. Here are the primary
ways:
1. Open Market Operations (OMO): The central bank buys or sells government securities (bonds) in the open
market.
o Buying Securities: When the central bank buys securities, it injects money into the banking system,
increasing the money supply.
o Selling Securities: When the central bank sells securities, it takes money out of the banking system,
decreasing the money supply.
2. Reserve Requirements: This is the percentage of deposits that commercial banks are required to hold in reserve
and not lend out.
o Increasing Reserve Requirements: When the central bank raises the reserve requirement, banks have
less money to lend, reducing the money supply.
o Decreasing Reserve Requirements: Lowering the reserve requirement allows banks to lend more,
increasing the money supply.
3. Discount Rate: This is the interest rate charged by the central bank on loans it makes to commercial banks.
o Raising the Discount Rate: An increase in the discount rate makes borrowing from the central bank
more expensive for commercial banks, reducing their lending capacity and decreasing the money supply.
o Lowering the Discount Rate: A decrease in the discount rate makes borrowing cheaper, encouraging
banks to lend more and increasing the money supply.
4. Interest Rates on Reserves: The central bank can pay interest on the reserves that banks hold at the central
bank.
o Increasing Interest Rates on Reserves: This encourages banks to hold more reserves rather than lending
them out, which can reduce the money supply.
o Decreasing Interest Rates on Reserves: Lower interest rates incentivize banks to lend out more of their
reserves, increasing the money supply.
5. Currency Issuance: The central bank controls the issuance of physical currency (coins and notes). By managing
the amount of currency in circulation, it can influence the overall money supply.
6. Quantitative Easing (QE): In times of economic distress, the central bank may engage in quantitative easing,
where it buys longer-term securities beyond short-term government bonds, such as mortgage-backed securities
or corporate bonds, to increase the money supply and lower long-term interest rates.
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7. Forward Guidance: The central bank provides guidance on its future monetary policy intentions. By influencing
expectations about future policy, it can affect economic behavior and the money supply indirectly.
These tools help the central bank achieve its monetary policy objectives, such as controlling inflation, managing
employment levels, and fostering economic growth.
The quantity theory of money is an economic theory that suggests a direct relationship between the amount of money in
circulation and the general price level of goods and services. In simpler terms, it states that if the money supply increases
faster than the economy's output of goods and services, inflation will occur.
The theory is often represented by the equation:
MV = PY
where:
M is the money supply
V is the velocity of money (how quickly money changes hands)
P is the price level
Y is the real output of goods and services
According to this equation, if the money supply (M) increases while the velocity of money (V) and real output (Y) remain
constant, the price level (P) must also increase, leading to inflation.
What is meant by GDP and GDP deflator? Why is GDP important to economists and investors?
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): GDP is the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's
borders over a specific period, typically annually or quarterly. It serves as a comprehensive measure of a nation's
economic activity and health. GDP can be calculated using three approaches:
Production (or Output) Approach: Adds up the value of all goods and services produced in the economy.
Income Approach: Sums up all incomes earned by factors of production (wages, profits, rents, etc.).
Expenditure Approach: Adds up all expenditures made on final goods and services (consumer spending,
investment, government spending, and net exports).
GDP Deflator: The GDP deflator is a measure of the level of prices of all new, domestically produced, final goods and
services in an economy. It reflects the change in the average price level of goods and services included in GDP, and is
used to convert nominal GDP into real GDP. The GDP deflator is calculated as follows:
Nominal GDP: The value of GDP measured at current market prices, without adjusting for inflation.
Real GDP: The value of GDP adjusted for inflation, reflecting the actual quantity of goods and services produced.
1. Economic Health: GDP is a primary indicator of economic health and performance. It provides insights into the
overall size and growth of an economy, helping to gauge economic activity and living standards.
2. Comparisons Over Time: By comparing GDP figures over different periods, economists can analyze trends,
cycles, and growth rates, helping to understand economic expansion or contraction.
3. Policy Making: Policymakers use GDP data to make informed decisions on monetary and fiscal policies. It helps
in setting interest rates, government spending, and taxation policies.
4. Investment Decisions: Investors use GDP data to assess the economic environment and make investment
decisions. Strong GDP growth can indicate a healthy economy, potentially leading to higher corporate profits
and stock market returns, while weak GDP growth might signal economic troubles.
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5. Inflation Measurement: The GDP deflator helps in measuring inflation by comparing nominal GDP with real
GDP. It provides a broader measure of inflation across the entire economy compared to other price indices.
6. International Comparisons: GDP allows for comparisons between different countries' economic performances
and living standards, helping in global economic assessments and investment decisions.
Overall, GDP is crucial for understanding economic performance, making policy decisions, and guiding investment
strategies.
Consider the following table showing the breakdown of GDP (in billions) for country ABC.
Consumption $1250
Investment $800
Government Expenditure $550
Exports $50
Imports $70
Using the expenditure approach, calculate the GDP for ABC
The natural rate of unemployment is the long-term average rate of unemployment around which the economy tends to
fluctuate. It is a theoretical concept that represents the level of unemployment that would persist even in a fully
employed economy, without any cyclical fluctuations.
It is important to note that the natural rate of unemployment is not a fixed number and can change over time due to
factors such as technological advancements, changes in demographics, and shifts in government policies.
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Distinguish between employment multiplier and investment multiplier. What factors determine the aggregate level of
investment in a country?
Employment Multiplier: The employment multiplier measures the change in employment resulting from an initial
change in economic activity. It reflects how an increase in investment or spending can lead to a more than proportional
increase in employment opportunities.
For example, if a new factory is built, it directly creates jobs for construction workers and factory staff. However, the
increased economic activity can also lead to more jobs in related sectors, such as suppliers and services. The
employment multiplier captures these additional job effects. It focuses specifically on the impact of economic changes
on employment.
Investment Multiplier: The investment multiplier measures the effect of an initial increase in investment on the overall
level of national income or GDP. It reflects how an initial increase in investment spending leads to a more than
proportional increase in total economic output.
For example, if a government increases its spending on infrastructure, it can lead to higher incomes for construction
workers and suppliers. These workers and suppliers then spend their additional income on goods and services, further
stimulating economic activity. The investment multiplier captures this broader economic effect. It focuses on the
relationship between investment spending and overall economic output.
Understanding these multipliers and factors helps in analyzing economic policies and their impacts on employment and
investment, and in assessing the overall health and growth potential of an economy.
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What role do the net present value and marginal efficiency of investment play in investment decision?
Net Present Value (NPV): Net Present Value (NPV) is a financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of an
investment or project. It is calculated by subtracting the initial investment cost from the present value of the expected
future cash flows, discounted at a specific rate (usually the cost of capital or required rate of return).
where:
Rt = Net cash inflow at time t
r = Discount rate
t= Time period
Co = Initial investment cost
Positive NPV: If the NPV of an investment is positive, it indicates that the projected earnings (discounted to
present value) exceed the initial investment cost. This suggests that the investment is expected to generate
more value than it costs, and it is generally considered a good investment opportunity.
Negative NPV: If the NPV is negative, it implies that the investment is expected to generate less value than its
cost. Such an investment would typically be rejected.
Comparison: NPV allows investors to compare different investment projects by calculating their respective
NPVs, thereby choosing the project with the highest positive NPV, assuming there are multiple options.
Marginal Efficiency of Investment (MEI): Marginal Efficiency of Investment (MEI) is the expected rate of return on an
additional unit of investment in a project or asset. It represents the rate of return that the next increment of investment
is expected to generate.
Comparison to Cost of Capital: Investors compare the MEI with the cost of capital (or required rate of return). If
the MEI is greater than the cost of capital, the investment is likely to be profitable and is generally considered
worthwhile. Conversely, if the MEI is less than the cost of capital, the investment might not be attractive.
Investment Decisions: The MEI helps in determining the profitability of additional investments. An investment is
justified if the MEI exceeds the opportunity cost of investing the capital elsewhere.
Project Selection: MEI is used to assess whether additional investments in a project or new projects are likely to
generate returns that meet or exceed the investor’s required rate of return.
Economic Profit: Economic profit is the difference between total revenue and the total costs of production, including
both explicit and implicit costs. Implicit costs are the opportunity costs of using resources in one way rather than in their
next best alternative use.
Accounting Profit: Accounting profit is the difference between total revenue and explicit costs only. Explicit costs are the
actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the production of goods and services, such as wages, rent, and materials.
National income is distributed among the various factors of production based on their contribution to the production
process. The primary factors of production are labor, capital, land, and entrepreneurship. Each factor receives income
according to its role and contribution to economic activity. Here’s how national income is typically distributed:
Labor, including both skilled and unskilled workers, receives compensation in the form of wages and salaries. This
payment reflects the value of their work and effort in the production process.
Capital refers to financial resources and physical assets (like machinery and buildings) used in production. The owners of
capital receive income in the form of interest on investments or loans, and profits from investments in businesses.
Interest is paid to those who lend money or invest in financial instruments, while profits are earned by entrepreneurs or
investors who own capital assets.
Land: Rent.
Land encompasses all natural resources used in production, such as agricultural land, minerals, and forests. The owners
of land receive rent, which is the payment for the use of their property or natural resources.
Entrepreneurship: Profit.
Entrepreneurs organize and combine the other factors of production—labor, capital, and land—to create goods and
services. They assume the risk of the business venture and, in return, earn profits. Profit is the residual income after all
other factor payments (wages, interest, and rent) have been made.
Define “terms of trade”. What are the determinants of the nominal exchange rate?
Terms of Trade (ToT) refers to the ratio of a country's export prices to its import prices. It measures the amount of
imports a country can buy per unit of exports. Essentially, it reflects the relative price of a country's exports in terms of
its imports.
The nominal exchange rate is the rate at which one country's currency can be exchanged for another country's currency.
It is determined by a number of factors, including:
Supply and Demand: The most fundamental determinant of the nominal exchange rate is the supply and demand for a
country's currency. When demand for a country's currency increases relative to supply, the exchange rate appreciates.
Conversely, when demand decreases relative to supply, the exchange rate depreciates.
Interest Rates: Higher interest rates in a country tend to attract foreign capital, which increases demand for that
country's currency and causes it to appreciate. Conversely, lower interest rates tend to reduce foreign capital inflows,
which decreases demand for the currency and causes it to depreciate.
Inflation: A country with a higher inflation rate than its trading partners will tend to see its currency depreciate. This is
because higher inflation reduces the purchasing power of the currency, making it less attractive to foreign investors.
Economic Growth: A country with a strong economy and growing exports will tend to see its currency appreciate. This is
because the demand for the country's goods and services will increase demand for its currency.
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Government Policies: Government policies can also affect the nominal exchange rate. For example, a government that
imposes trade barriers or capital controls can reduce the demand for its currency.
Expectations: Expectations about future economic conditions can also influence the exchange rate. If investors expect a
country's currency to appreciate in the future, they may be more likely to buy it now, which will cause it to appreciate.
It is important to note that the nominal exchange rate is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a number of
factors. The relative importance of these factors can vary over time and across different countries.
How do you calculate the real and nominal exchange rate? State the relationship between the real and nominal exchange
rate.
Nominal Exchange Rate: This is the rate at which one country's currency can be exchanged for another country's
currency at a specific point in time. It is typically expressed as the number of units of foreign currency that can be
purchased with one unit of domestic currency.
Real Exchange Rate: This is the nominal exchange rate adjusted for differences in price levels between two countries. It
measures the purchasing power of a currency in terms of goods and services in another country.
Real Exchange Rate = Nominal Exchange Rate * (Domestic Price Level / Foreign Price Level)
Relationship Between Real and Nominal Exchange Rates:
The real exchange rate reflects the purchasing power parity (PPP) between two countries. If the real exchange rate is
equal to 1, it means that the purchasing power of a currency is the same in both countries.
Real Exchange Rate > 1: This indicates that the domestic currency is overvalued relative to the foreign currency.
It means that domestic goods are relatively more expensive than foreign goods, and exports will be less
competitive.
Real Exchange Rate < 1: This indicates that the domestic currency is undervalued relative to the foreign
currency. It means that domestic goods are relatively cheaper than foreign goods, and exports will be more
competitive.
In summary, the real exchange rate is a better indicator of a country's competitiveness in international trade than the
nominal exchange rate. It takes into account the differences in price levels between countries, providing a more
accurate picture of the relative purchasing power of currencies.
It is Often claimed that GDP cannot measure the quality of education or health, intelligence or wisdom, integrity of
officials or devotion to your country. If so, why do we care about GDP?
The claim that GDP cannot measure aspects like the quality of education, health, intelligence, integrity, or devotion
highlights its limitations as a measure of overall well-being. However, we still care about GDP for several important
reasons:
1. Economic Performance: GDP is the most widely used indicator of a country's overall economic activity. It shows
the total value of goods and services produced within a country, providing a snapshot of its economic health.
2. Income and Living Standards: A higher GDP generally correlates with higher incomes, which can improve
people's living standards. Although GDP doesn't measure happiness or well-being directly, higher income levels
often allow people access to better services, such as education and healthcare.
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3. Employment Levels: GDP growth is usually associated with higher employment levels. As production increases,
businesses tend to hire more workers, reducing unemployment and raising income for households.
4. Government Policy: Policymakers use GDP to make decisions about monetary and fiscal policies. It helps
governments determine whether to stimulate or slow down the economy, and it also plays a role in budget
allocations for social services.
5. International Comparisons: GDP allows for comparison of the economic strength and performance of different
countries. This can influence foreign investment, trade negotiations, and international relations.
While GDP doesn't capture many qualitative aspects of life, it remains an important measure because it quantifies
economic growth and the capacity for improvement in material conditions.
Consider an economy that produces and consumes corn, apple and bread. In the following table are data for two
different years.
2011 2021
Items Price Quantity price Quantity
Corn $4 268000 $10 357000
Apple S10 259600 $12 345600
Bread $12 3280700 $22 789400
Using the year 2011 as the base year, compute the following statistics for each year: nominal GDP, real GDP, the implicit
deflator for GDP, and a fixed-weight price index such as the CPI. How much-have prices risen between 2011 and 2021?
Suppose you are a finance secretary writing a bill to index Government pension benefit scheme. That is, your bill will
adjust these benefits to offset changes in the cost of living. Will you use the GDP deflator or the CPI? Why?
Nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is the value of goods and services produced in an economy at current prices. We calculate it by multiplying
the price and quantity for each year.
Real GDP calculates the value of output in constant prices (2011 prices). For 2021, we will multiply 2021 quantities by
2011 prices.
GDP Deflator
The GDP deflator measures the change in prices of goods and services produced in the economy, and it is given by:
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CPI (2021):
5. Price Increase
To find how much prices have risen, we compare the 2021 CPI with the base year (2011), where the base year's CPI is
100. Therefore, the price increase from 2011 to 2021 is:
Choosing Between the GDP Deflator and CPI for Pension Adjustments
If you are adjusting government pensions to reflect the cost of living, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is generally a more
appropriate measure than the GDP deflator. This is because the CPI specifically measures the change in prices of a fixed
basket of goods that consumers typically buy. It reflects the cost of living more directly for households.
The GDP deflator, on the other hand, includes all goods and services produced in the economy, including those that may
not be consumed by typical households (such as investment goods and exports). Therefore, the CPI better reflects the
inflation rate that affects consumers' purchasing power and cost of living.
Explain how a competitive, profit-maximizing firm decides how much of each factor of production to demand.
A competitive, profit-maximizing firm decides how much of each factor of production (such as labor, capital, and land) to
demand by analyzing the marginal productivity of each factor in relation to its cost. The goal is to hire or use factors up
to the point where their marginal contribution to revenue equals their marginal cost. This decision-making process can
be explained through the following steps:
The marginal product of a factor is the additional output produced by using one more unit of that factor while
holding other inputs constant. For example, the marginal product of labor (MPL) is the additional output
generated by hiring an extra worker.
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The firm considers the marginal revenue product (MRP) of each factor, which is the extra revenue generated by
employing one more unit of the factor. For a perfectly competitive firm:
The firm compares the MRP of the factor to the cost of the factor, which is the wage for labor, the rental rate for
capital, and so on. In a competitive market, these costs are determined by supply and demand.
4. Profit-Maximization Condition
A profit-maximizing firm will continue to hire or use additional units of a factor as long as the MRP of the factor
exceeds or equals the factor price. The optimal quantity is where:
MRP=Factor Price
If the MRP is higher than the factor price, the firm can increase its profit by employing more of that factor. If the
MRP is lower than the factor price, the firm should reduce its use of that factor to avoid losses.
A firm will hire workers up to the point where the marginal revenue product of labor (MRPL) equals the wage
(W):
MRPL=W
This ensures that the firm maximizes profit by balancing the revenue gained from additional labor with the cost
of hiring that labor.
Firms also decide how much of each factor to use by considering the substitution effect. If the price of one
factor rises, the firm may substitute it with another factor (e.g., using more machinery if wages rise).
In summary, a competitive, profit-maximizing firm demands each factor of production up to the point where its marginal
revenue product equals its marginal cost (factor price). This ensures that the firm is using its resources in the most
efficient way to maximize profit.
Y=C+I+G
Y= 5,000
G=1,000
T=1,000
C=250+0.75(Y-T)
I=1,000-50r.
I. In this economy, compute private saving, public saving, and national saving.
II. Find the equilibrium interest rate.
III. Now suppose that G rises to 1,250. Compute private saving, and national saving.
IV. Find the new equilibrium interest rate.
Y: National Income = 5,000
G: Government Spending = 1,000 (initially)
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T: Taxes = 1,000
C: Consumption function = 250 + 0.75(Y - T)
I: Investment function = 1,000 - 50r (where r is the interest rate)
The equation for national income: Y=C+I+G
Compute Private Saving, Public Saving, and National Saving:
We first need to compute consumption (C). Using the consumption function C=250+0.75(Y−T):
C=250+0.75(5,000−1,000)
=250+0.75(4,000)
=250+3,000
=3,250
Private Saving=Y−T−C
=5,000−1,000−3,250
=750
Public Saving:
Public saving is the difference between taxes and government spending. The formula is:
Public Saving=T−G
Public Saving=1,000−1,000=0
Why might a policymaker choose a steady state with more capital than in the Goiden Ruie syeady state? And a steady
state with less capital than in the Golden Rule steady state? Explain your answers.
In the discussion of German and Japanese postwar growth, the text describes what happens when part of the capital
stock is destroyed in a war. Suppose that a war dose not directly affect the capital stock, but that human casualties
reduce the labor force. Also assume the economy was in a steady state before the war, the saving rate is unchanged, and
the rate of population growth after the war returns to normal.
i. What is the immediate impact of the war on total output and on output person?
ii. What happens subsequently to output per worker in the postwar economy? Is the growth rate of output per
worker after the war smaller or greater than normal?
'In the steady state of the Solow growth model, the growth rate of income per person is determined solely by the
exogenous rate of technological progress', do you agree with the statement? Why?
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The amount of education the typical-person receives varies substantially among countries. Suppose you were to
compare a country with a highly educated labor force and a country with a less educated labor force. Assume that
education affects only the level of the efficiency of labor. Also assume that the countries are otherwise the same: they
have the same saving rate, the same depreciation rate, the same population growth rate, and the same rate of
technological progress. Both countries are described by the Solow model and are in their steady states. What would you
predict for the following variables?
How do you think theory of liquidity preference is a basic model of the determination of the interest rate? Explain.
Consider the impact of an increase in thriftiness in the Keynesian cross. Suppose the consumption function is
C=C’+c(Y-T),
Where C’ is a parameter called autonomous consumption and c is the marginal propensity to consume.
i What happens to equilibrium income when the society becomes thriftier, as represented by a decline in C’?
ii What happens to equilibrium saving?
iii Why do you suppose this result is called the paradox of thrift?
iv Does this paradox arise in the classical model? Why or why not?
How wage rigidity and sectoral shift affect the labor demand and wage rate?
When workers' wages rise, their decision about how much time to spend working is affected in two conflicting ways.
Explain those ways.
Distinguish between marginal efficiency of capital (MEC) and marginal efficiency of investment (MEI). Given marginal
efficiency of capital (MEC), how would the stock of capital get adjusted when there is a fall in the rate of interest?
What is investment multiplier? What are the possible leakage in the multiplier mechanism?
Explain what happens to consumption, investment, and the interest rate when the government increases taxes
Suppose that country experiences a reduction in productivity—that is, an adverse shock to the production function.