Explain the 2 ways in which a reduction in interest rates can change consumption in the aggregate demand model of the economy.

Consumption - a reduction in interest rates means that the cost of borrowing money for consumers is lower. This means that consumers demand more money in order to consume. Large purchases become relatively cheaper to fund meaning that consumers bring forward planned purchases, boosting consumption in the current time period. A boost in consumption leads to a boost in aggregate demand, as consumption is a positive component of the AD formula (AD = C + I + G + (X-M)).
Savings - a reduction in interest rates means that consumers have a lower incentive to save money, as the financial reward for doing so is lower. This decreases the marginal propensity to save. As a result, the marginal propensity to consume will increase, as consumers have the decision only to consume or save. This means that a higher proportion of household income is spent on consumption, which boosts consumption and therefore AD.

JY
Answered by James Y. Economics tutor

2997 Views

See similar Economics A Level tutors

Related Economics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the importance of low interest rates in bringing about a recovery from recession in an economy like the UK. (10)


Explain the key characteristics of perfect competition


Explain how price and output are determined in both the short run and long run in a monopolistically competitive market (15 marks)


Define what a Demerit Good is and explain why they are often over-consumed in the free market.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences