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Fiscal Policy
Fiscal policy is defined as the use of government expenditure and taxation to influence the level of AD in an economy, in an effort to achieve the macro objectives.
In the UK, fiscal policy is mainly targeted at economic growth and employment.
Fiscal Policy
Keynesian economists argue that fiscal policy is a very useful tool for changing AD in an economy, especially when the economy is operating below full capacity (existence of a negative output gap).
Price Level LRASK
Fiscal Policy
There are a number of transmission mechanisms we can look at. Firstly, any increase in government spending will increase the G component in AD, and so as G, AD.
Fiscal Policy
Price Level
G, AD
LRASK
P*
AD1
AD2
Q1
Q2
QF
Real Output
Fiscal Policy
Government spending made up of:
1. Transfer payments- e.g. social protection 2. Current govt spending- e.g. defence, wages 3. Capital spending- e.g. education, transport
Multiplier
This multiplier effect dampens out over time due to withdrawals (S, T, M)
Fiscal Policy
We can also examine the fiscal policy transmission mechanisms involved with an alteration in tax rates.
EXPANSIONARY FISCAL POLICY involves a cut in tax rates to stimulate AD and the economy.
Fiscal Policy
Cut in income tax
Cut in indirect taxes
Fiscal Policy
Again, we see AD, as either C or I increase.
Price Level
T, AD
LRASK
P*
AD1
AD2
Q1
Q2
QF
Real Output
Fiscal Policy
Remember when using a diagram, you must explain what has happened to price levels and real output/employment levels.
Fiscal Policy
CONTRACTIONARY FISCAL POLICY can be used when an economy is experiencing inflation (over-heating), or when the government needs to tackle a growing budget deficit and/or national debt level. G, T AD
Fiscal Policy
To reduce AD, must either increase tax, or reduce government spending.
Price Level
T or G, AD
P1
LRASK
P*
AD1
AD2
Q2
QF
Real Output
Monetary Policy
Defined as the manipulation of monetary variables (interest rates, money supply, volume of credit) by the government, in order to achieve their macroeconomic objectives. Since 1997, UK interest rates set by MPC, who have inflation target of 2% +/- 1%, as measured by the CPI.
It is therefore useful when discussing the effects of monetary policy to focus on the price level in the economy.
Monetary Policy
By altering interest rates, the MPC can influence AD and, as a result, inflationary pressures within the economy.
The process of influence can be referred to as the monetary policy transmission mechanism: how changes in the base rate affect the decisions of consumers and firms, and ultimately the rate of inflation.
Monetary Policy
What data do the MPC consider when making interest rate decisions?
Monetary Policy
We will consider an example of expansionary monetary policy (e.g. a cut in interest rates).
It may be easiest to examine the effects of a cut on each of the components of AD in turn.
Monetary Policy
Consumption 1. Lower interest on savings- less inclined to save C 2. Borrowing is cheaper- expenditure on durables may increase C 3. Interest repayments on loans falls-more money available C 4. Mortgage repayments fall on variable mortgages-increase in discretionary income C 5. Mortgages cheaper- more demand for housing, house prices increase-POSITIVE WEALTH EFFECT C
Monetary Policy
Investment 1. Borrowing is cheaper for firms- more willing to borrow to invest-Marginal Efficiency of Capital Theory I 2. Increased demand for goods may force firms to invest to increase outputAccelerator Theory of Investment I
Monetary Policy
Exports-Imports 1. Lower interest rates in UK compared to other economies means that saving in UK banks is unattractive. 2. Fall in demand for , and so depreciates against other currencies, as hot money flows out of economy. 3. Exports increase, because they are now relatively cheaper, and imports, now more expensive because of the weakness of the , fall.
Monetary Policy
i- C, I, X,MAD
Price Level LRASK
Q2 QF
Real Output
Current fiscal policy The size of the interest rate changes The speed at which commercial banks pass on interest rate changes The % of variable mortgage holders in the economy