Economists prefer to analyze the performance of the economy using “real” rather than nominal measures of economic activity. First, what does it mean to use real variables using consumption and wages as cases in point? Warning: before you throw at me the catch-all “adjusted for inflation” answer, know that I am looking for a thoughtful answer that explains in everyday English the difference between real and nominal and why it matters in the context of wages and interest rates.

Economists prefer to analyze the performance of the economy using “real” rather than nominal measures of economic activity. First, what does it mean to use real variables using consumption and wages as cases in point? Warning: before you throw at me the catch-all “adjusted for inflation” answer, know that I am looking for a thoughtful answer that explains in everyday English the difference between real and nominal and why it matters in the context of wages and interest rates.

MACROECONOMICS FOR TODAY

10th Edition

ISBN:9781337613057

Author:Tucker

Publisher:Tucker

Chapter7: Inflation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 5SQP

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