Distinguish between "real-balances effect" and "wealth effect," as the terms are used in this chapter. How does each relate to the aggregate demand curve?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The real-balances effect shows the change in purchasing power of asset balance due to price change. The wealth effect shows the change in spending due to the change in wealth.

The changing purchasing power and wealth both impact the demand and spending capacity of the individuals, hence influencing the aggregate demand curve.

Step by step solution

01

Real-balance effect

The real-balance effect captures the change in the purchasing power of asset balance, i.e., the asset's net value, because of a change in the price level. Suppose prices increase, then the purchasing power of assets will fall; thus, the consumer will have less income to spend as the asset value has fallen. The inverse relation will hold if the price is low.

02

Wealth effect

The wealth effect captures the change in consumer's wealth; here, the price level is assumed to be constant; the spending changes as the wealth changes. If the consumer's wealth increases, then the consumer's spending will also increase. Suppose the value of the stock falls. Then the consumer's spending will also decrease as the consumer may feel less wealthy.

03

Aggregate demand

The aggregate demand shows the relation of aggregate expenditure or demand in the economy at a particular price level. The real-balance effect leads the aggregate demand curve to slope downward, as with the price increase, the spending falls. The wealth effect also leads the aggregate demand curve to slope downward; spending increases with the rise in wealth.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

True or False. If the price of oil suddenly increases by a large amount, AS will shift left, but the price level will not rise thanks to price inflexibility.

Why is the aggregate demand curve downsloping? Specify how your explanation differs from the explanation for the downsloping demand curve for a single product. What role does the multiplier play in shifts of the aggregate demand curve?

Explain: “Unemployment can be caused by a decrease of aggregate demand or a decrease of aggregate supply.” In each case, specify the price-level outcomes.

True or False. Decreases in AD normally lead to decreases in both output and the price level.

What effects would each of the following have on aggregate demand or aggregate supply, other things equal? In each case, use a diagram to show the expected effects on the equilibrium price level and the level of real output, assuming that the price level is flexible both upward and downward.

  1. A widespread fear by consumers of an impending economic depression.

  2. A new national tax on producers based on the value added between the costs of the inputs and the revenue received from their output.

  3. A reduction in interest rates.

  4. A major increase in spending for health care by the federal government.

  5. The general expectation of coming rapid inflation.

  6. The complete disintegration of OPEC, causing oil prices to fall by one-half.

  7. A 10 percent across-the-board reduction in personal income tax rates.

  8. A sizable increase in labor productivity (with no change in nominal wages).

  9. A 12 percent increase in nominal wages (with no change in productivity).

  10. An increase in exports that exceeds an increase in imports (not due to tariffs).

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