Course Overview
Master the fundamentals of macroeconomic analysis from measurement to the complete IS-LM-PC model.
Exam Format (90 minutes)
| Section | Content | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 5 Multiple Choice Questions | 20 | ~15 min |
| B | 2 Long Questions (Q6: IS-LM, Q7: IS-LM-PC) | 50 | ~50 min |
| C | 1 Essay (choose 1 of 2) | 30 | ~25 min |
Materials Allowed: One A4 sheet, hand-written (not photocopied), with your own notes + Non-programmable calculator
Textbook: BAG Chapters 2-9 are examinable (excluding Chapter 6.2 onwards)
The Big Picture
Macroeconomics studies aggregate economic activityβthe interaction of people, firms, and governments at the economy-wide level.
Macroeconomics centres on three key variables: Output (GDP), Unemployment, and Inflation.
Course Progression
- Measurement (L1) β GDP, price levels, inflation
- Goods Market (L2) β Keynesian cross, demand determines output
- Financial Markets (L3) β Money demand/supply, interest rates
- IS-LM Model (L4) β Combining goods and financial markets
- Labour Market (L5) β Wage-setting, price-setting, natural unemployment
- Phillips Curve (L6) β Inflation-unemployment relationship
- IS-LM-PC Model (L7) β Short-run to medium-run dynamics
- Inflation (L8) β Fisher equation, nominal vs real
Quick Navigation
Measurement & GDP
Three approaches to GDP, deflators, CPI, chain-type indexes
Goods Market
Consumption function, multipliers, paradox of saving, hand-to-mouth consumers
Financial Markets
Money demand, bond demand, banking system, modern vs traditional LM
IS-LM Model
Deriving IS & LM curves, policy analysis, crowding out
Labour Market
WS-PS model, natural unemployment rate, real wage determination
Phillips Curve
Inflation-unemployment tradeoff, expectations, Okun's Law
IS-LM-PC Model
Complete macro model, shock analysis, medium-run equilibrium
Inflation & Interest Rates
Fisher equation, ZLB, Quantity Theory of Money
Measurement of Macroeconomic Variables
Understanding how we measure economic activity through GDP, price indices, and growth rates.
What is GDP?
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The market value of all FINAL goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time.
Key Terms
- Market value: Uses market prices to aggregate different goods
- Final goods: Goods sold to end users (not intermediate goods)
- Within a country: Geographical boundary (vs GNP which uses nationality)
- Given period: Usually quarterly or annually
Three Approaches to GDP
All three approaches must give the same answer! This is an accounting identity.
Nominal vs Real GDP
Given data for Laptops, Fish & Chips, Cars (2011 vs 2019):
2011 Nominal GDP = 150(Β£500) + 200(Β£5) + 20(Β£2,800) = Β£132,000
2019 Nominal GDP = 300(Β£450) + 180(Β£5) + 25(Β£3,700) = Β£228,400
Nominal GDP growth = (228,400 β 132,000) / 132,000 = 73.03%
2019 Real GDP (2011 prices) = 300(Β£500) + 180(Β£5) + 25(Β£2,800) = Β£220,900
Real GDP growth = (220,900 β 132,000) / 132,000 = 67.35%
Price Indices
Consumer basket: 1 laptop, 10 fish & chips, 0.2 car
2011 cost = 1(Β£500) + 10(Β£5) + 0.2(Β£2,800) = Β£1,110
2019 cost = 1(Β£450) + 10(Β£5) + 0.2(Β£3,700) = Β£1,240
CPIββββ = (1,240 / 1,110) Γ 100 = 111.7
CPI inflation = (111.7 β 100) / 100 = 11.71%
CPI inflation (11.71%) differs from GDP deflator inflation (3.40%) due to: different weights, import inclusion, coverage of goods.
Chain-Type Index (4-Step Construction)
Growth with 2011 prices: 67.35%
Growth with 2019 prices: 60.28%
Average growth = (67.35 + 60.28) / 2 = 63.81%
2011 index = 1 / 1.6381 = 0.6104 (setting 2019 = 1)
2011 Real GDP (chained 2019) = Β£228,400 Γ 0.6104 = Β£139,426
Chain-type indexes more accurate because they update weights continuously, avoiding distortion from using outdated base year prices. Key example: computer prices fell dramatically since 1985.
GDP Limitations
GDP does NOT account for:
- Home production and unpaid work
- Informal/underground economy
- Environmental degradation and resource depletion
- Quality of life, leisure, and well-being
- Income distribution and inequality
- Sustainability of growth
Working extra hour earning Β£12, buying Β£10 takeout β measured GDP increases by Β£22, but overstates true output because home-cooked meal (not in GDP) is replaced.
"GDP tells you nothing about sustainability." Be ready to discuss environmental costs and debt-financed growth.
The Goods Market
Understanding how demand determines output in the short run through the Keynesian cross model.
The Consumption Function
MPC < 1 means people save part of additional income. This is crucial for multiplier analysis.
Equilibrium Output Derivation
Production equals demand: Y = Z
Given: C = 240 + 0.8YD, I = 200, G = 600, T = 400
Z = 240 + 0.8(Y β 400) + 200 + 600 = 720 + 0.8Y
Y = Z β Y = 720 + 0.8Y β 0.2Y = 720 β Y = 3600
YD = 3600 β 400 = 3200
C = 240 + 0.8(3200) = 2800
Multiplier = 1/(1β0.8) = 5
All Multiplier Variants
| Model | Multiplier Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 1 / (1 β cβ) | cβ = MPC |
| Tax Multiplier | βcβ / (1 β cβ) | Negative; smaller magnitude |
| With Income Tax | 1 / (1 β cβ(1βtβ)) | tβ = marginal tax rate |
| With Endogenous I | 1 / (1 β cβ β bβ) | Requires cβ + bβ < 1 |
| Combined | 1 / (1 β cβ β bβ + cβtβ) | Most general form |
Income-dependent taxes reduce the multiplier β AUTOMATIC STABILIZER. Output responds less to autonomous spending shocks.
If bβ > 0, multiplier INCREASES because: βY β βI β βZ β βY β ... (positive feedback loop).
When taxes β by ΞT, ZZ line shifts down by cβΞT (initial effect), then total output change = [cβ/(1βcβ)] Γ ΞT (multiplier effect).
Saving-Investment Identity
S = Y β T β C = 3600 β 400 β 2800 = 400
Public saving = T β G = 400 β 600 = β200 (budget deficit)
Total saving = 400 + (β200) = 200 = I β
Paradox of Saving
If all consumers try to save more (βcβ):
- Individual intention: βSaving
- Collective result: βConsumption β βY β S remains unchanged (S = I)
"Efforts to increase private saving can paradoxically reduce aggregate demand, leaving saving unchanged." Key: In Keynesian model, Y adjusts to make S=I always hold.
Transfer Payments (2023-24 Exam Topic)
If government increases transfers by Ξ³ (not tax-financed):
New YD = Y β ttax + tpay + Ξ³
IS shifts RIGHT β Output increases
If funded by taxing high-income (MPChigh < MPClow) and transferred to low-income:
Net effect: Output INCREASES because low-income have higher MPC.
Hand-to-Mouth Consumers (2024-25 Topic)
Hand-to-mouth consumers: Consumers who spend ALL disposable income: Ch = (Y β T)
More hand-to-mouth consumers (lower Ξ±) β LARGER multiplier β Fiscal policy MORE effective, Monetary policy LESS effective.
Financial Markets
Money demand, supply, and how interest rates are determined.
Money Demand
Bond Demand & Wealth Constraint
Given: Wealth = Β£50,000, Y = Β£60,000, Md = $Y(0.35 β i)
Md = 60,000(0.35 β i) = 21,000 β 60,000i
Bd = 50,000 β (21,000 β 60,000i) = 29,000 + 60,000i
If i increases by 10pp: ΞBd = 60,000 Γ 0.10 = Β£6,000 increase
Given: Wealth = Β£5,000, Y = Β£15,000, Md = Y(0.3 β i)
Md = 15,000(0.3 β i) = 4,500 β 15,000i
Bd = 5,000 β (4,500 β 15,000i) = 500 + 15,000i
Answer: (C). Note: βi β βBd (bonds more attractive)
Higher interest rates β bonds more attractive β Bd increases. Higher income β need more money β Md increases, Bd decreases (given fixed wealth).
Money Market Equilibrium
Given: Md = 4000 β 16000i, Ms = 2720
4000 β 16000i = 2720
16000i = 1280 β i = 8%
If Ms reduced to 2400: i = (4000β2400)/16000 = 10%
To set i = 4%: Ms = 4000 β 16000(0.04) = 3360
Banking System & Money Multiplier
Given: ΞΈ = 0.1, H = Β£100bn, Y = Β£5tr, Md = $Y(0.8 β 4i)
Money multiplier = 1/0.1 = 10
Money supply = Β£100bn Γ 10 = Β£1,000bn
Demand for reserves: Hd = ΞΈ Γ Md = 0.1 Γ 5000(0.8 β 4i)
Equilibrium: 100 = 500(0.8 β 4i) β 100 = 400 β 2000i β i = 15%
Modern vs Traditional LM
| Approach | CB Sets | What Adjusts | LM Curve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern | Interest rate i | M adjusts endogenously | Horizontal (i = Δ«) |
| Traditional | Money supply M | i adjusts | Upward-sloping |
With traditional LM (CB sets M), if money demand β at every (Y,i) β LM shifts LEFT β βY and βi.
The IS-LM Model
Combining goods and financial markets to analyze fiscal and monetary policy.
Investment Function
IS Curve Derivation (7-Mark Exam Format)
Given: C = 500+0.2YD, I = 200+0.25Yβ1000i, G=300, T=200, M/P=1500, (M/P)d=2Yβ8000i
IS Derivation:
Y = 500 + 0.2(Yβ200) + 200 + 0.25Y β 1000i + 300
0.55Y = 960 β 1000i
IS: Y = 1745.45 β 1818.18i
LM Derivation:
1500 = 2Y β 8000i
LM: i = (Y β 750)/4000
Equilibrium: Y β 1436.5, i = 17%
IS Slope Analysis
| Parameter Change | Effect on IS Slope | Policy Implication |
|---|---|---|
| βtβ (income tax rate) | IS becomes STEEPER | Monetary policy LESS effective |
| βbβ (investment i-sensitivity) | IS becomes FLATTER | Monetary policy MORE effective |
| βcβ (MPC) | IS becomes FLATTER | Multiplier larger |
| βbβ (investment Y-sensitivity) | IS becomes FLATTER | Multiplier larger |
"How does IS slope depend on tβ?" Higher tβ β steeper IS because automatic stabilizers dampen multiplier, making Y less responsive to i.
Crowding Out
When G increases with traditional (upward-sloping) LM:
1. IS shifts right β βY and βi
2. Higher i reduces private investment
3. Net βY positive but SMALLER than simple multiplier suggests
If CB maintains i = 5% when G increases from 300 to 600:
New IS: Y = 2290.91 β 1818.18i
At i = 5%: Y = 2200 (up from 1654.5)
Full multiplier effect because NO crowding out (i constant).
CB must increase M to maintain i = 5%.
If BoE holds i constant when Gβ, M will INCREASE and impact on Y will be LARGER than if M held constant.
Policy Stabilization Choice
Shocks from GOODS market (IS shifts): Hold M constant better (i changes offset shock)
Shocks from MONEY market (LM shifts): Hold i constant better (CB accommodates money demand)
The Labour Market
Wage-setting, price-setting, and the natural rate of unemployment.
Wage-Setting (WS) Relation
Price-Setting (PS) Relation
Real wage is determined by PS alone, NOT WS! Changes in worker bargaining power (z) only affect unemployment, NOT the real wage.
Given: Markup m = 11% = 0.11
W/P = 1/(1 + 0.11) = 1/1.11 = 0.90
Answer: (C) 0.90
If worker bargaining power β throughout economy:
β’ WS shifts UP (workers demand higher wages at each u)
β’ But PS unchanged: W/P = 1/(1+m) still determines real wage
β’ Result: Higher nominal W and P, SAME real wage, HIGHER un
Answer: (E) Real wage remains constant
If markup m decreases:
β’ PS shifts UP (W/P = 1/(1+m) increases)
β’ WS unchanged
β’ Result: Higher real wage, LOWER natural unemployment
Answer: (B) PS shifts upward, increasing real wage
Natural Rate of Unemployment
Setting WS = PS:
Given: m = 0.03, z = 0.03
For Ξ± = 1: un = (0.03 + 0.03)/1 = 6%
For Ξ± = 2: un = (0.03 + 0.03)/2 = 3%
Higher Ξ± (wage flexibility) β lower un
If markup doubles (m: 0.03 β 0.06):
For Ξ± = 1: un = (0.06 + 0.03)/1 = 9% (β3pp)
For Ξ± = 2: un = (0.06 + 0.03)/2 = 4.5% (β1.5pp)
Higher wage flexibility weakens adverse supply shock effects.
The Phillips Curve
Understanding the relationship between inflation and unemployment.
Phillips Curve
Expectations Formation
With adaptive expectations, there is NO permanent tradeoff between inflation and unemployment. Keeping u < un causes inflation to ACCELERATE continuously.
Multi-Period Calculations (KEY EXAM SKILL)
Given: Ο = Οe + 0.1 β 2u, ΟΜ = 2%, initially u = un
un = 0.1/2 = 5%
If u reduced to (un β Ξ΅) permanently with ΞΈ = 0:
Οe = ΟΜ = 2% (always anchored)
Ο = 2% + Ξ±Ξ΅ = constant (elevated but stable)
Given: Ο = Οe + 0.1 β 2u, Οe = Οtβ1, Οβ = 0, u = 4% forever
un = 0.1/2 = 5%, so u < un
Οt = 0 + 0.1 β 2(0.04) = 0.02 = 2%
Οt+1 = 0.02 + 0.02 = 4%
Οt+2 = 0.04 + 0.02 = 6%
Οt+3 = 0.06 + 0.02 = 8%
Inflation rises by 2pp each period!
Given: Ο = Οe + 0.2 β 4u, Οe = Οtβ1, Οβ1 = 0, u = 4% forever
Οt = 0 + 0.2 β 4(0.04) = 0.2 β 0.16 = 0.04 = 4%
Οt+1 = 0.04 + 0.04 = 8%
Οt+2 = 0.08 + 0.04 = 12%
Answer: (D) t+1: 8% and t+2: 12%
Wage Indexation
0.5Οt = 0.5Οtβ1 + 0.02
Οt = Οtβ1 + 0.04
Inflation now accelerates by 4pp (not 2pp) each period!
Wage indexation AMPLIFIES effect of unemployment on inflation. More indexed contracts β faster inflation acceleration when u < un.
Okun's Law
Given: ut β utβ1 = β0.4(gY β 3%)
If gY = 6%: ut β utβ1 = β0.4(6%β3%) = β1.2pp
Unemployment decreases by 1.2 percentage points
Answer: (B)
The IS-LM-PC Model
Bringing together IS-LM and Phillips Curve for complete macroeconomic analysis.
Complete Model System
In IS-LM-PC, investment depends on REAL interest rate r, not nominal rate i!
Medium-Run Equilibrium
- Y = Yn (output at potential)
- Ο = ΟΜ (inflation at target)
- Οe = Ο (expectations correct)
- r = rn (natural/neutral real rate)
5-Step Shock Analysis (25-Mark Questions)
β’ IS/Demand shock: Changes in cβ, I, G, taxes, consumer confidence
β’ PC/Supply shock: Changes in m (markup), z, oil prices, productivity
β’ If Y < Yn: CB cuts r to boost demand
β’ If Y > Yn: CB raises r to cool demand
Demand Shock Examples
Short Run: βConsumer confidence β βcβ β IS LEFT β Y < Yn β Ο < ΟΜ
CB Response: CB cuts r to stimulate β βI
Medium Run: Y returns to Yn. Composition: C lower, I higher, r lower
Short Run: βConsumer credit β βsaving β βC β IS RIGHT β Y > Yn β Ο > ΟΜ
CB Response: CB raises r β βI
Medium Run: Y returns to Yn. Composition: C higher, I lower, r higher
Supply Shock Example
Initial: Technology lowers costs β m falls β PS UP β un falls β Yn INCREASES
Short Run: Old Y now BELOW new Yn β Ο < ΟΜ
CB Response: CB cuts r to boost demand
Medium Run: Y rises to new higher Yn. Both C and I increase (r lower, Y higher)
Supply shocks differ from demand shocks: positive supply shock allows BOTH higher output AND lower inflation. Demand shocks create inflation-output tradeoffs.
Expectations and Sustainability
With ΞΈ = 1, if CB doesn't respond to positive demand shock β inflation accelerates without bound.
With ΞΈ = 0 β inflation elevated but constant.
Neither sustainable if CB targets ΟΜ.
Fiscal expansion (βG or βT) β IS right β CB must βr to maintain Y = Yn β natural real rate rn increases permanently.
Inflation & Interest Rates
The Fisher equation, zero lower bound, and Quantity Theory of Money.
Fisher Equation
Given: Οe = i (expected inflation = nominal rate), i = 12%, real return on machines > 0
r = i β Οe = i β i = 0
Since real return > 0 and cost of borrowing (r) = 0: Firm WILL invest
Answer: (E)
BoE wants to reduce Ο from 6% to 3%, keeping r = 2% constant
Initially: i = r + Οe = 2% + 6% = 8%
After: i = r + Οe = 2% + 3% = 5%
Nominal rate falls by 3pp. Answer: (B)
Zero Lower Bound (ZLB)
Nominal interest rate cannot fall below zero (or people hold cash)
With ΟΜ > 0 and anchored expectations, CB can achieve negative real rates by setting i β 0. Provides 'ammunition' to stimulate economy in downturns. Avoids liquidity trap where monetary policy is ineffective.
With ΟΜ = 0 and i at ZLB, r = 0 β 0 = 0 cannot be lowered. With ΟΜ = 4%, CB can push r to β4%. This is why most CBs target Ο > 0.
If fiscal contraction causes Ο < 0 with i = 0 and ΞΈ = 1:
Οe becomes negative β r = 0 β (negative) = positive
Higher r β lower Y β more deflation β even higher r...
DEFLATION SPIRAL - CB cannot lower r because i at ZLB!
In liquidity trap, monetary policy ineffective. Only FISCAL policy can stimulate (tax cut or spending increase). Answer: (B)
Quantity Theory of Money
Given: gY = 2%, gM = 8%, i = 9%, V constant
Nominal GDP growth = gM = 8%
Inflation Ο = gM β gY = 8% β 2% = 6%
Real rate r = i β Ο = 9% β 6% = 3%
QTM vs Phillips Curve (2023-24 Section C)
| Perspective | View | Time Horizon |
|---|---|---|
| QTM (Long-Run) | Ο = gM β gY. Higher gY β lower Ο | Supply-side, long-run |
| Phillips Curve (Short-Run) | Y β β u β β Ο β | Demand-driven, short-run |
Not contradictory - different time horizons!
β’ If Yβ due to productivity (supply): inflation falls (QTM view)
β’ If Yβ due to demand stimulus: inflation rises (PC view)
Complete Formula Sheet
All essential formulas for your A4 cheat sheet.
Master Formula Table
| Concept | Formula |
|---|---|
| Consumption | C = cβ + cβ(Y β T) |
| Basic Multiplier | 1 / (1 β cβ) |
| Tax Multiplier | βcβ / (1 β cβ) |
| With Income Tax | 1 / (1 β cβ + cβtβ) |
| With Endogenous I | 1 / (1 β cβ β bβ) [requires cβ+bβ<1] |
| Combined | 1 / (1 β cβ β bβ + cβtβ) |
| S-I Identity | S + (T β G) = I |
| Money Demand | Mα΅ = $Y Γ L(i) = dβY β dβi |
| Bond Demand | Bα΅ = Wealth β Mα΅ |
| Money Multiplier | Money Supply = H Γ (1/ΞΈ) |
| Investment | I = bβ + bβY β bβi (or bβr in IS-LM-PC) |
| IS Slope | di/dY = β(1 β cβ β bβ + cβtβ) / bβ |
| WS (Real Wage) | W/P = 1 β Ξ±u + z |
| PS (Real Wage) | W/P = 1 / (1 + m) |
| Natural Unemployment | uβ = (m + z) / Ξ± |
| Natural Output | Yβ = L(1 β uβ) |
| Phillips Curve | Ο β Οα΅ = βΞ±(u β uβ) |
| Expectations | Οα΅ = (1βΞΈ)ΟΜ + ΞΈΟβββ |
| Accelerationist PC | ΞΟ = βΞ±(u β uβ) [when ΞΈ = 1] |
| Okun's Law | uβ β uβββ = βΞ²(gY β αΈ‘Y) [Ξ²β0.4, αΈ‘Yβ3%] |
| Fisher Equation | r β i β Οα΅ |
| ZLB Minimum Rate | r_min = βΟα΅ (when i = 0) |
| Quantity Theory | MV = PY β Ο = gM β gY (if V constant) |
| GDP Deflator | (Nominal GDP / Real GDP) Γ 100 |
| CPI | (Cost basket current / Cost basket base) Γ 100 |
| Growth Rate | g = (Yβ β Yβββ) / Yβββ Γ 100% |
| Inflation Rate | Ο = (Pβ β Pβββ) / Pβββ Γ 100% |
Exam Strategy & Tips
Key insights from past papers (2022-2025) and essential exam techniques.
Section A: MCQ Patterns by Year
| Year | Topics Tested |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Okun's Law, Anchored PC (ΞΈ=0), Fisher investment decision, IS slope/tβ, ZLB |
| 2023-24 | Liquidity trap, Real wage from PS, Worker bargaining, Adaptive PC (ΞΈ=1), Fisher effect |
| 2024-25 | Bond demand, PS shift (markup), QTM, Money demand shift, Tax multiplier graph |
Section B: Long Question Templates
Q6 (IS-LM) - 25 marks
- (a) Derive equilibrium Y [7 marks] - Show all algebra steps
- (b) Analyze component (slope, parameter effects) [6 marks]
- (c) Graphical representation [6 marks] - Label everything!
- (d) Policy analysis or comparison [6 marks]
Q7 (IS-LM-PC) - 25 marks
- (a) Draw initial equilibrium [7 marks] - Both IS-LM and PC diagrams
- (b) Short-run effect [6 marks] - Identify shock, curve shift
- (c) CB response [6 marks] - Show adjustment path
- (d) Medium-run composition [6 marks] - C, I, r changes
Section C: Essay Topics
- QTM vs Phillips Curve - Different time horizons
- Chain-type indexes - Continuous weight updates
- Liquidity trap and ΟΜ > 0 - Monetary policy room
- Paradox of saving - S=I identity, Y adjusts
- GDP deflator vs CPI - Imports, weights, coverage
- GDP limitations - Stiglitz sustainability quote
Common Mistakes to AVOID
- Using i instead of r in IS-LM-PC model
- Wrong multiplier formula - check for tβ and bβ
- Thinking WS affects real wage - PS determines W/P
- Mixing ΞΈ=0 (constant Ο) with ΞΈ=1 (accelerating Ο)
- Forgetting Y returns to Yβ in medium run
- Unlabeled graphs - axes, curves, equilibrium points
- GDP deflator vs CPI confusion - imports, weights
- Forgetting crowding out with traditional LM
Final Checklist
- Derive IS curve from scratch (7-mark question)
- Multi-period Phillips Curve calculations
- IS-LM-PC 5-step shock analysis
- Fisher equation applications
- All multiplier variants memorized
- Chain-type index 4-step construction
- 250-word essay outlines prepared
- A4 formula sheet organized