Macroeconomic Equilibrium :: Economics

Macroeconomic Equilibrium Introduction Macroeconomic equilibrium for an economy in the short run is established when aggregate demand intersects with short-run aggregate supply. At the price level Pe, the aggregate demand for goods and services is equal to the aggregate supply of output. The output and the general price level in the economy will tend to adjust towards this equilibrium position. If the price level is too high, there will be an excess supply of output. If the price level is below equilibrium, there will be excess demand in the short run. In both situations there should be a process taking the economy towards the equilibrium level of output. Consider for example a situation where aggregate supply is greater than current demand. This will lead to a build up in stocks (inventories) and this sends a signal to producers either to cut prices (to stimulate an increase in demand) or to reduce output so as to reduce the build up of excess stocks. Either way - there is a tendency for output to move closer to the current level of demand. There may be occasions when in the short run, the economy cannot meet an increase in demand. This is more likely to occur when an economy reaches full-employment of factor resources. In this situation, the aggregate supply curve in the short run becomes increasingly inelastic. The diagram below tracks the effect of this. We see aggregate demand rising but the economy finds it difficult to raise (expand) production. There is a small increase in real national output, but the main effect is to put upward pressure on the general price level. Shortages of resources will lead to a general rise in costs and prices. Impact of a change in aggregate supply Suppose that increased efficiency and productivity together with lower input costs (e.g. of essential raw materials) causes the short run aggregate supply curve to shift outwards. (I.e. an increase in supply - assume no shift in aggregate demand). The diagram below shows what is likely to happen. AS shifts outwards and a new macroeconomic equilibrium will be established. The price level has fallen and real national output (in equilibrium) has increased to Y2. Aggregate supply would shift inwards if there is a rise in the unit costs of production in the economy. For example there might be a rise in unit wage costs perhaps caused by higher wages not compensated for by higher labour productivity. External economic shocksmight also cause the aggregate supply curve to shift inwards. For example a sharp rise in global commodity prices. If AS shifts to the left, assuming no change in the aggregate demand curve, we expect to see a higher price level (this is known as Macroeconomic Equilibrium :: Economics Macroeconomic Equilibrium Introduction Macroeconomic equilibrium for an economy in the short run is established when aggregate demand intersects with short-run aggregate supply. At the price level Pe, the aggregate demand for goods and services is equal to the aggregate supply of output. The output and the general price level in the economy will tend to adjust towards this equilibrium position. If the price level is too high, there will be an excess supply of output. If the price level is below equilibrium, there will be excess demand in the short run. In both situations there should be a process taking the economy towards the equilibrium level of output. Consider for example a situation where aggregate supply is greater than current demand. This will lead to a build up in stocks (inventories) and this sends a signal to producers either to cut prices (to stimulate an increase in demand) or to reduce output so as to reduce the build up of excess stocks. Either way - there is a tendency for output to move closer to the current level of demand. There may be occasions when in the short run, the economy cannot meet an increase in demand. This is more likely to occur when an economy reaches full-employment of factor resources. In this situation, the aggregate supply curve in the short run becomes increasingly inelastic. The diagram below tracks the effect of this. We see aggregate demand rising but the economy finds it difficult to raise (expand) production. There is a small increase in real national output, but the main effect is to put upward pressure on the general price level. Shortages of resources will lead to a general rise in costs and prices. Impact of a change in aggregate supply Suppose that increased efficiency and productivity together with lower input costs (e.g. of essential raw materials) causes the short run aggregate supply curve to shift outwards. (I.e. an increase in supply - assume no shift in aggregate demand). The diagram below shows what is likely to happen. AS shifts outwards and a new macroeconomic equilibrium will be established. The price level has fallen and real national output (in equilibrium) has increased to Y2. Aggregate supply would shift inwards if there is a rise in the unit costs of production in the economy. For example there might be a rise in unit wage costs perhaps caused by higher wages not compensated for by higher labour productivity. External economic shocksmight also cause the aggregate supply curve to shift inwards. For example a sharp rise in global commodity prices. If AS shifts to the left, assuming no change in the aggregate demand curve, we expect to see a higher price level (this is known as