Economics CIA
Economics CIA
Caselet 1:
The scenario describes the Indian economy facing a global economic slowdown and rising
inflation. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) responded by increasing the repo rate to curb excess
liquidity. Simultaneously, the Government of India announced a fiscal stimulus package
involving increased capital expenditure on infrastructure and tax incentives for small
businesses, while also aiming to reduce the fiscal deficit.
1. How do you think the RBI’s decision to raise interest rates will impact businesses
and consumers in the short run?
In the short run, the RBI's decision to raise interest rates will likely increase borrowing
costs for businesses. This could lead to reduced investment as taking out loans for
expansion or working capital becomes more expensive. Small businesses, in particular,
might feel this impact acutely. Consumers will also face higher costs for loans, such as
mortgages and car loans, which could dampen consumer spending on big-ticket
items. The intended effect of raising interest rates is to reduce excess liquidity and
curb inflation, but this comes at the potential cost of slowing down economic activity in
the short term.
Caselet 4:
This caselet presents a scenario where a country's GDP growth rate has declined from 7% to
4% over the past two years, while inflation has risen from 3% to 6%, and the unemployment rate
has increased from 5% to 7%.
1. Analyze the relationship between GDP growth, inflation, and unemployment in this
scenario.
The scenario depicts a situation of stagflation, where low or declining GDP growth is
accompanied by rising inflation and increasing unemployment. Typically, there is an
inverse relationship between unemployment and inflation (the Phillips Curve), where
lower unemployment often leads to higher inflation due to increased wage pressures and
demand. However, in this case, both inflation and unemployment are rising while
economic growth is slowing. This suggests that the economy is facing supply-side
shocks or other factors that are simultaneously pushing prices up and reducing output
and employment. The decline in GDP growth indicates a weakening economy, which
typically leads to lower inflation and higher unemployment, contrasting with the current
situation.
4. How does an open economy affect the domestic economy in such a situation?
In an open economy, the declining GDP growth, rising inflation, and increasing
unemployment can be influenced by and can also influence international factors. Rising
import costs due to factors like a depreciating currency or global supply chain issues
can contribute to domestic inflation. Reduced demand from trading partners due to a
global slowdown can further depress GDP growth and increase unemployment.
Conversely, a country experiencing stagflation might see its exports become more
competitive if its currency depreciates, potentially offsetting some of the negative
impacts on GDP. However, this could also worsen inflation by making imports more
expensive. Policymakers in an open economy must consider these international linkages
when formulating their responses. For instance, exchange rate policies and trade
policies can play a role in managing inflation and supporting economic growth.
Please note that these are analyses based on the limited information provided in the excerpts. A
comprehensive policy recommendation would require a more detailed understanding of the
specific factors affecting each economy.