Macroeconomics

This open text provides complete, concise coverage of introductory macroeconomic theory and policy. It examines the Canadian economy as an economic system, and embeds current Canadian institutions and approaches to monetary policy and fiscal policy within that system. Particular attention is given to the recent structure, performance, and evolution of the Canadian economy, and to the current targets and instruments of Canadian monetary and fiscal policy.These are exciting and challenging times in which to study macroeconomics. We focus on short-run macroeconomic performance, analysis, and policy motivated by the recessions of the early 1980s and 1990s, the financial crisis and recession of 2008-2009, and the prolonged recovery in most industrial countries. To that end, the text examines macroeconomic institutions, performance, and policies in ways that help students understand and evaluate critically the news media coverage and broader public discussion of:- Recessions and recoveries, unemployment, inflation, deflation and conditions in financial markets-topics of ongoing reporting, discussion, and debate.- Monetary and fiscal policy announcements and discussions focused on inflation targets, interest rate settings, budget balances, tax rates, expenditures, and public debt targets as these affect economic performance.- Exports, imports, international capital flows, foreign exchange rates, and the importance of the international sector of the Canadian economy.- Economic growth, productivity growth, and the importance of productivity growth for standards of living in Canada and other countries.A traditional Aggregate Demand and Supply model is introduced to provide a consistent analytical framework for development of sector topics that follow. The analysis builds on a study of short-run business cycle fluctuations in output and employment, under constant equilibrium price conditions. The balance of payments, exchange rate policy, and monetary and fiscal policy under different exchange rate systems complete the short-run open economy model.A basic modern Aggregate Demand and Supply model of output and the inflation rate is also developed based on:- Current Canadian monetary policy based on inflation targets, interest rate policy instruments, and current Bank of Canada operating techniques, including the potential for quantitative or credit easing.- Current Canadian fiscal policy based on deficit and debt control targets, the government's budget function, the temporary shift to fiscal stimulus in 2009 and the implications for budget balances and the public debt.Numerical examples, diagrams, and basic algebra are used in combination to illustrate and explain economic relationships. Students learn about the importance of trade flows, consumption; government budgets; money supply; financial asset prices, yields, and interest rates; employment and unemployment; and other key relationships in the economy. Canadian and selected international data are used to provide real world examples and comparisons.The text is supported by Lyryx Learning, offering editorial services to develop and adapt open content, formative online assessment, course supplements, and support to both the students and instructors.… (more)