Economic Growth measures the change in national income over time in a country.
KEYWORDS
Economic Growth is usually shown as a percentage change from one year to the next. A positive figure indicates that an economy is growing.
Why Is Measuring Economic Growth Useful?
Measuring economic growth helps us to see whether the economy is expanding (growing) or contracting (decreasing). This can be useful for the government when it is planning the National Budget. It can help them predict tax revenue and plan which departments might receive increased expenditure.
What Is A Normal Level?
ґ A positive figure, typically between 2% and 4% per year, is generally considered a good trend as it shows the economy is expanding steadily.
ґ A lower rate than the previous year may indicate an economy slowing down. ґ A negative figure (a fall in national income from one year to the next) is a bad trend. ґ A negative figure for two consecutive quarters is called a recession.
Linking Economic Growth To Other Indicators When economic growth increases:
ґ Employment usually rises ґ National income increases ґ Tax revenue increases
When economic growth decreases:
ґ Unemployment may increase ґ Government borrowing may rise ґ Consumer confidence may fall