4
A: A: The The gross domestic product gross domestic product (GDP) is one the primary (GDP) is one the primary indicators indicators used to gauge the used to gauge the health of a country's health of a country's economy economy. It represents the total dollar value of all goods and . It represents the total dollar value of all goods and services produced over a specific time period - you can think of it as the size of the economy. services produced over a specific time period - you can think of it as the size of the economy. Usually, GDP is expressed as a comparison to the previous quarter or year. For example, if Usually, GDP is expressed as a comparison to the previous quarter or year. For example, if the year-to-year GDP is up 3%, this is thought to mean that the economy has grown by 3% the year-to-year GDP is up 3%, this is thought to mean that the economy has grown by 3% over the last year. over the last year. Measuring GDP is complicated (which is why we leave it to the economists), but at its most Measuring GDP is complicated (which is why we leave it to the economists), but at its most basic, the calculation can be done in one of two ways: either by adding up what everyone basic, the calculation can be done in one of two ways: either by adding up what everyone earned in a year (income approach), or by adding up what everyone spent (expenditure earned in a year (income approach), or by adding up what everyone spent (expenditure method). Logically, both measures should arrive at roughly the same total. method). Logically, both measures should arrive at roughly the same total. The income approach, which is sometimes referred to as GDP(I), is calculated by adding up The income approach, which is sometimes referred to as GDP(I), is calculated by adding up total compensation to employees, gross profits for incorporated and non incorporated firms, total compensation to employees, gross profits for incorporated and non incorporated firms, and taxes less any subsidies. The expenditure method is the more common approach and is and taxes less any subsidies. The expenditure method is the more common approach and is calculated by adding total consumption, investment, government spending and net exports. calculated by adding total consumption, investment, government spending and net exports. As one can imagine, economic production and growth, what GDP represents, has a large As one can imagine, economic production and growth, what GDP represents, has a large impact on nearly everyone within that economy. For example, when the economy is healthy, impact on nearly everyone within that economy. For example, when the economy is healthy, you will typically see low unemployment and wage increases as businesses demand labor to you will typically see low unemployment and wage increases as businesses demand labor to meet the growing economy. A significant change in GDP, whether up or down, usually has a meet the growing economy. A significant change in GDP, whether up or down, usually has a significant effect on the stock market. It's not hard to understand why: a bad economy usually significant effect on the stock market. It's not hard to understand why: a bad economy usually means lower profits for companies, which in turn means lower stock prices. Investors really means lower profits for companies, which in turn means lower stock prices. Investors really worry about negative GDP growth, which is one of the factors economists use to determine worry about negative GDP growth, which is one of the factors economists use to determine whether an economy is in a whether an economy is in a recession recession. For more on this topic, see For more on this topic, see Is real GDP a better index of economic performance than GDP? Is real GDP a better index of economic performance than GDP? and and Macroeconomic Analysis Macroeconomic Analysis. Get Out of Debt – Start Making Money Get Out of Debt – Start Making Money Want to get out of debt, get a mortgage and save for retirement? Investopedia’s FREE Want to get out of debt, get a mortgage and save for retirement? Investopedia’s FREE Personal Finance newsletter shows you Personal Finance newsletter shows you 7 Steps to Become Financially Independent. 7 Steps to Become Financially Independent. Take Take control of your money and control of your money and Click here Click here to start managing your finances like the pros. to start managing your finances like the pros. Q: Q: What is the difference between GDP and GDP accounting for PPP (purchasing power What is the difference between GDP and GDP accounting for PPP (purchasing power parity)? parity)? Subscribe to our Free Newsletters! Subscribe to our Free Newsletters! Enter e-mail address Enter e-mail address Sign U Sign U Learn Mo Learn Mo Learn How to Turn $50 into $1000 Every Day With Learn How to Turn $50 into $1000 Every Day With Stocks Stocks What is GDP and why is it so important to economists and What is GDP and why is it so important to economists and investors? investors? You may also like: You may also like: Five Chart Patterns you need to know… Five Chart Patterns you need to know… AAA By By Investopedia Staff Investopedia Staff RELATED FAQS RELATED FAQS Marketplace Marketplace Investing Basics Investing Basics Bonds & Fixed Income Bonds & Fixed Income Fundamental Analysis Fundamental Analysis Mutual Funds & ETFs Mutual Funds & ETFs Economics Economics Calculators Calculators Tutorials Tutorials DICTIONARY DICTIONARY INVESTING INVESTING TRADING TRADING MARKETS MARKETS PERSONAL PERSONAL FINANCE FINANCE WEALTH WEALTH MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL FINANCIAL ADVISORS ADVISORS EXAM PREP EXAM PREP TUTORIALS TUTORIALS VIDEO VIDEO ST ST SIMU SIMU Free Annual Reports Free Annual Reports | Register Register Search Investopedia Search Investopedia

What is GDP and Why is It So Important to Economists and Investors

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

gvcb

Citation preview

Page 1: What is GDP and Why is It So Important to Economists and Investors

9/10/2015 What is GDP and why is it so important to economists and investors?

http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/199.asp 1/4

A:A: The The gross domestic productgross domestic product (GDP) is one the primary (GDP) is one the primary indicatorsindicators used to gauge the used to gauge the

health of a country's health of a country's economyeconomy. It represents the total dollar value of all goods and. It represents the total dollar value of all goods and

services produced over a specific time period - you can think of it as the size of the economy.services produced over a specific time period - you can think of it as the size of the economy.

Usually, GDP is expressed as a comparison to the previous quarter or year. For example, ifUsually, GDP is expressed as a comparison to the previous quarter or year. For example, if

the year-to-year GDP is up 3%, this is thought to mean that the economy has grown by 3%the year-to-year GDP is up 3%, this is thought to mean that the economy has grown by 3%

over the last year.over the last year.

Measuring GDP is complicated (which is why we leave it to the economists), but at its mostMeasuring GDP is complicated (which is why we leave it to the economists), but at its most

basic, the calculation can be done in one of two ways: either by adding up what everyonebasic, the calculation can be done in one of two ways: either by adding up what everyone

earned in a year (income approach), or by adding up what everyone spent (expenditureearned in a year (income approach), or by adding up what everyone spent (expenditure

method). Logically, both measures should arrive at roughly the same total.method). Logically, both measures should arrive at roughly the same total.

The income approach, which is sometimes referred to as GDP(I), is calculated by adding upThe income approach, which is sometimes referred to as GDP(I), is calculated by adding up

total compensation to employees, gross profits for incorporated and non incorporated firms,total compensation to employees, gross profits for incorporated and non incorporated firms,

and taxes less any subsidies. The expenditure method is the more common approach and isand taxes less any subsidies. The expenditure method is the more common approach and is

calculated by adding total consumption, investment, government spending and net exports.calculated by adding total consumption, investment, government spending and net exports.

As one can imagine, economic production and growth, what GDP represents, has a largeAs one can imagine, economic production and growth, what GDP represents, has a large

impact on nearly everyone within that economy. For example, when the economy is healthy,impact on nearly everyone within that economy. For example, when the economy is healthy,

you will typically see low unemployment and wage increases as businesses demand labor toyou will typically see low unemployment and wage increases as businesses demand labor to

meet the growing economy. A significant change in GDP, whether up or down, usually has ameet the growing economy. A significant change in GDP, whether up or down, usually has a

significant effect on the stock market. It's not hard to understand why: a bad economy usuallysignificant effect on the stock market. It's not hard to understand why: a bad economy usually

means lower profits for companies, which in turn means lower stock prices. Investors reallymeans lower profits for companies, which in turn means lower stock prices. Investors really

worry about negative GDP growth, which is one of the factors economists use to determineworry about negative GDP growth, which is one of the factors economists use to determine

whether an economy is in a whether an economy is in a recessionrecession..

For more on this topic, see For more on this topic, see Is real GDP a better index of economic performance than GDP?Is real GDP a better index of economic performance than GDP?

and and Macroeconomic AnalysisMacroeconomic Analysis..

Get Out of Debt – Start Making MoneyGet Out of Debt – Start Making Money

Want to get out of debt, get a mortgage and save for retirement? Investopedia’s FREEWant to get out of debt, get a mortgage and save for retirement? Investopedia’s FREE

Personal Finance newsletter shows you Personal Finance newsletter shows you 7 Steps to Become Financially Independent. 7 Steps to Become Financially Independent. TakeTake

control of your money and control of your money and Click hereClick here to start managing your finances like the pros. to start managing your finances like the pros.

Q: Q: What is the difference between GDP and GDP accounting for PPP (purchasing powerWhat is the difference between GDP and GDP accounting for PPP (purchasing powerparity)?parity)?

Subscribe to our Free Newsletters!Subscribe to our Free Newsletters!

Enter e-mail addressEnter e-mail address Sign UpSign Up

Learn More »Learn More »

Learn How to Turn $50 into $1000 Every Day With PennyLearn How to Turn $50 into $1000 Every Day With PennyStocksStocks

What is GDP and why is it so important to economists andWhat is GDP and why is it so important to economists andinvestors?investors?

You may also like: You may also like: Five Chart Patterns you need to know…Five Chart Patterns you need to know…  

AAAAAA |  | By By Investopedia StaffInvestopedia Staff

RELATED FAQSRELATED FAQS

  

MarketplaceMarketplace

Investing BasicsInvesting Basics Bonds & Fixed IncomeBonds & Fixed Income Fundamental AnalysisFundamental Analysis Mutual Funds & ETFsMutual Funds & ETFs EconomicsEconomics CalculatorsCalculators TutorialsTutorials

DICTIONARYDICTIONARY INVESTINGINVESTING TRADINGTRADING MARKETSMARKETSPERSONALPERSONAL

FINANCEFINANCEWEALTHWEALTH

MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTFINANCIALFINANCIALADVISORSADVISORS EXAM PREPEXAM PREP TUTORIALSTUTORIALS VIDEOVIDEO

STOCKSTOCKSIMULATORSIMULATOR

Free Annual ReportsFree Annual Reports || RegisterRegister ||Search InvestopediaSearch Investopedia

Page 2: What is GDP and Why is It So Important to Economists and Investors

9/10/2015 What is GDP and why is it so important to economists and investors?

http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/199.asp 2/4

A:A:

A:A:

A:A:

A:A:

A:A:

A:A:

The standard measure of gross domestic product, or GDP, is absolute. In contrast, some accounts ofThe standard measure of gross domestic product, or GDP, is absolute. In contrast, some accounts ofGDP are adjusted for relative ... GDP are adjusted for relative ... Read Full Answer >>Read Full Answer >>

Q: Q: When do economists use real GDP instead of GDP?When do economists use real GDP instead of GDP?Economists use real GDP when they want to monitor the growth of output in an economy. NominalEconomists use real GDP when they want to monitor the growth of output in an economy. Nominal

GDP, typically referred to ... GDP, typically referred to ... Read Full Answer >>Read Full Answer >>

Q: Q: Is real GDP a better index of economic performance than GDP?Is real GDP a better index of economic performance than GDP?Real GDP is a much better index for expressing the output of an economy, as it takes into account theReal GDP is a much better index for expressing the output of an economy, as it takes into account the

fluctuating value of ... fluctuating value of ... Read Full Answer >>Read Full Answer >>

Q: Q: What are some alternatives to real GDP?What are some alternatives to real GDP?Real GDP is used for assessing a country’s economic performance over a given time. Other measuresReal GDP is used for assessing a country’s economic performance over a given time. Other measures

used for this are nominal ... used for this are nominal ... Read Full Answer >>Read Full Answer >>

Q: Q: Which countries are most productive in terms of GDP?Which countries are most productive in terms of GDP?If you are measuring productivity based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the ten most productiveIf you are measuring productivity based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the ten most productive

countries in the world are, ... countries in the world are, ... Read Full Answer >>Read Full Answer >>

Q: Q: What is the benefit of using real GDP over GDP?What is the benefit of using real GDP over GDP?Economists use the gross domestic product (GDP) to compare the relative prosperity of differentEconomists use the gross domestic product (GDP) to compare the relative prosperity of different

nations and measure the overall ... nations and measure the overall ... Read Full Answer >>Read Full Answer >>

ECONOMICSECONOMICS

The 4 Industries Driving New Mexico's EconomyThe 4 Industries Driving New Mexico's EconomyDiscover the four primary industries that are considered to be the mostDiscover the four primary industries that are considered to be the mostimportant drivers in the well-being of the economy of New Mexico.important drivers in the well-being of the economy of New Mexico.

ECONOMICSECONOMICS

How Does the Puerto Rican Debt Crisis Affect the US?How Does the Puerto Rican Debt Crisis Affect the US?Learn about the specifics of the Puerto Rican debt crisis and whyLearn about the specifics of the Puerto Rican debt crisis and whyeconomists disagree on how significantly it could affect the United States.economists disagree on how significantly it could affect the United States.

INVESTING NEWSINVESTING NEWS

3 Things Investors Should Heed from Puerto Rico3 Things Investors Should Heed from Puerto RicoThe Puerto Rican debt crisis matters more than you think. Here's how itThe Puerto Rican debt crisis matters more than you think. Here's how itcould impact you.could impact you.

FOREXFOREX

Brazil's Recession and its Effect on the World EconomyBrazil's Recession and its Effect on the World EconomyIn 2010, Brazil's economic growth was a precursor to arrival on the worldIn 2010, Brazil's economic growth was a precursor to arrival on the worldstage. Five years later, the economy is in shambles. What happened?stage. Five years later, the economy is in shambles. What happened?

ECONOMICSECONOMICS

Is U.S. Inflation on the Horizon?Is U.S. Inflation on the Horizon?Inflation, or the general price level of all goods and services in an economy,Inflation, or the general price level of all goods and services in an economy,has remained subdued in the years following the Great Recession. Givenhas remained subdued in the years following the Great Recession. Givenrecent developments, is the U.S. on the verge ...recent developments, is the U.S. on the verge ...

ECONOMICSECONOMICS

What Happened at the Fiscal Cliff?What Happened at the Fiscal Cliff?The fiscal cliff refers to a scenario on December 31, 2012, in which theThe fiscal cliff refers to a scenario on December 31, 2012, in which theBush-era tax cuts were set to expire.Bush-era tax cuts were set to expire.

ECONOMICSECONOMICS

Defining Cost-Push InflationDefining Cost-Push InflationCost-push inflation is caused by an increase in the cost of production, due to higher prices for rawCost-push inflation is caused by an increase in the cost of production, due to higher prices for raw

FREE Award-Winning Software - Ninja TraderFREE Award-Winning Software - Ninja Trader

Are you interested in generating income?Are you interested in generating income?

RELATED ARTICLESRELATED ARTICLES

Trading CenterTrading Center

Page 3: What is GDP and Why is It So Important to Economists and Investors

9/10/2015 What is GDP and why is it so important to economists and investors?

http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/199.asp 3/4

Zero-Sum GameZero-Sum GameA situation in which one person’s gain isA situation in which one person’s gain isequivalent to another’s ...equivalent to another’s ...

SurplusSurplusThe amount of an asset or resource thatThe amount of an asset or resource thatexceeds the portion that ...exceeds the portion that ...

Section 1231 PropertySection 1231 PropertyA tax term relating to depreciable businessA tax term relating to depreciable businessproperty that has ...property that has ...

Emergency Banking Act Of 1933Emergency Banking Act Of 1933A bill passed during the administration ofA bill passed during the administration offormer U.S. President ...former U.S. President ...

Gross Domestic Product - GDPGross Domestic Product - GDPThe monetary value of all the finished goodsThe monetary value of all the finished goodsand services produced ...and services produced ...

Tenured CapitalTenured CapitalLoans offered by the government to keyLoans offered by the government to keybusiness sectors.business sectors.

materials or labor.materials or labor.

ECONOMICSECONOMICS

Understanding Free TradeUnderstanding Free TradeFree trade exists when nations can swap goods and services without theFree trade exists when nations can swap goods and services without theconstraints of tariffs, duties or quotas.constraints of tariffs, duties or quotas.

FUNDAMENTAL ANALYSISFUNDAMENTAL ANALYSIS

Examining Mexico's Trillion-Dollar GDPExamining Mexico's Trillion-Dollar GDPExamining the gross domestic product growth and composition of Mexico,Examining the gross domestic product growth and composition of Mexico,the second largest economy in Latin Americathe second largest economy in Latin America

INVESTING NEWSINVESTING NEWS

Canada in RecessionCanada in RecessionOn September 1, 2015, Statistics Canada reported that the economy hasOn September 1, 2015, Statistics Canada reported that the economy hascontracted by 0.5% in Q2 2015, after falling 0.8% in previous quarter.contracted by 0.5% in Q2 2015, after falling 0.8% in previous quarter.

AdsAds

Best SIP Investment PlansBest SIP Investment Planswww.myuniverse.co.in/ZipSipwww.myuniverse.co.in/ZipSipInvest in best top funds & avail higher returns. Invest in 2 Mins.Invest in best top funds & avail higher returns. Invest in 2 Mins.

Apply Car Loan @ 10.25%Apply Car Loan @ 10.25%bankbazaar.com/Best-Car_Loansbankbazaar.com/Best-Car_LoansGet Low Interest Rates,100% Finance 0% Fee & More. Apply & Save Now!Get Low Interest Rates,100% Finance 0% Fee & More. Apply & Save Now!

NTSE Online TestNTSE Online Testtoppr.com/NTSE-Online-Testtoppr.com/NTSE-Online-TestOver 12,000+ Questions with Answers Sign up now for a free trial!Over 12,000+ Questions with Answers Sign up now for a free trial!

BROWSE BY TOPIC:BROWSE BY TOPIC:

Economic IndicatorEconomic Indicator Economy TerminologyEconomy Terminology GDPGDP Government & PoliticsGovernment & Politics Government SpendingGovernment Spending

RecessionRecession

RELATED TERMSRELATED TERMS

Page 4: What is GDP and Why is It So Important to Economists and Investors

9/10/2015 What is GDP and why is it so important to economists and investors?

http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/199.asp 4/4

CONTENT LIBRARYCONTENT LIBRARY

ArticlesArticles TermsTerms VideosVideos TutorialsTutorials SlideshowsSlideshows FAQsFAQs CalculatorsCalculators Chart AdvisorChart Advisor Stock AnalysisStock Analysis

Free Annual ReportsFree Annual Reports Stock SimulatorStock Simulator FXtraderFXtrader Exam Prep QuizzerExam Prep Quizzer Net Worth CalculatorNet Worth Calculator

CONNECT WITH INVESTOPEDIACONNECT WITH INVESTOPEDIA

WORK WITH INVESTOPEDIAWORK WITH INVESTOPEDIA

License ContentLicense Content Advertise With UsAdvertise With Us Write For UsWrite For Us Email DeploymentEmail Deployment Contact UsContact Us CareersCareers Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters!Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters! SubscribeSubscribe

DICTIONARY:DICTIONARY: ## AA BB CC DD EE FF GG HH II JJ KK LL MM NN OO PP QQ RR SS TT UU VV WW XX YY

© 2015, Investopedia, LLC.© 2015, Investopedia, LLC. All Rights ReservedAll Rights Reserved Terms Of UseTerms Of Use Privacy PolicyPrivacy Policy

Search InvestopediaSearch Investopedia SymbolSymbol

Recommended byRecommended by

YOU MAY ALSO LIKEYOU MAY ALSO LIKE

How to experience theHow to experience thesleepless Hong Kong?sleepless Hong Kong?Discover Hong KongDiscover Hong Kong

A Map of How theA Map of How theWorld Sees the StatesWorld Sees the Statesof Indiaof IndiaHuffington Post IndiaHuffington Post India

Bridal lessons fromBridal lessons fromLakme Fashion WeekLakme Fashion WeekAskme on FashionAskme on Fashion

5 reasons the new5 reasons the newApple TV can win theApple TV can win thestreaming warstreaming warTechradarTechradar

6 Investing Lessons6 Investing Lessonsfrom the Richest Manfrom the Richest Manin the World‐ Warren…in the World‐ Warren…scripboxscripbox

Learn how the fifthLearn how the fifthlargest hotel group inlargest hotel group inthe world doubled…the world doubled…HP Enterprise SolutionsHP Enterprise Solutions

He For Sure Got FiredHe For Sure Got FiredOver This!Over This!coViralcoViral

What are the best giftsWhat are the best giftsfor your man?for your man?LiveInStyle.comLiveInStyle.com