Take Home Problem 3 Due 10/19 Use The Following Information

Take Home Problem 3 Due 1019 Use The Following Information To Answer

Take Home Problem 3 Due 1019 Use The Following Information To Answer

Take-home problem 3: Due 10/19. Use the following information to answer parts a-i. The original numbers from problem 2 were used to compute an IS curve with an AP=7061.2 and multiplier of 2.04. Using that AP level from the IS curve of problem 2, we construct an AD curve of Y=2.04AP+2.0(MS/P). The AD curve is plotted with a focus on the real money supply (MS/P) instead of nominal MS, and interest rate is not explicitly shown. The SAS curve is provided as a function of W and P. The natural level of real output (Y_N) is 18410.2. The task involves calculating the AD and SAS curves at different price levels, determining equilibrium, analyzing impacts of changes in AP, and discussing appropriate monetary and fiscal policy responses.

Paper For Above instruction

The economic analysis of aggregate demand (AD) and short-run aggregate supply (SAS) curves provides crucial insights into macroeconomic equilibrium, inflation, and output fluctuations. This paper systematically addresses the given problems, incorporating key macroeconomic concepts and mathematical derivations to analyze the current economic scenario and policy implications.

a. Computing the AD Curve at Various Price Levels

Given the AD function Y=2.04Ap+2.0(MS/P), where Ap=7061.2, and considering multiple price levels (P): 0.25, 0.8, 1, and 2, we can calculate the real money supply (MS/P) for each P to determine the corresponding levels of Y. Assuming a consistent nominal money supply (MS), these calculations involve dividing MS by each P, although MS is not explicitly provided, it can be normalized or assumed for calculation purposes.

For simplicity, assuming MS is normalized to 1, the calculations become: MS/P for each price level, leading to specific Y values. Specifically, at P=0.25: MS/0.25 = 4; at P=0.8: MS/0.8 = 1.25; at P=1: MS/1=1; at P=2: MS/2=0.5. Using these, the AD at each P:

  • P=0.25: Y = 2.04 7061.2 + 24 = 2.04*7061.2 + 8 ≈ 14401 + 8 = 14409
  • P=0.8: Y = 2.04 7061.2 + 21.25 ≈ 14401 + 2.5 = 14403.5
  • P=1: Y = 14401 + 2*1 = 14401 + 2 = 14403
  • P=2: Y = 14401 + 2*0.5 = 14401 + 1= 14402

This demonstrates how AD shifts with changing price levels and real money balances.

b. Computing the SAS Curve at Various Price Levels

The SAS curve depends on W and P. Given W=50, the income-expenditure equilibrium in the short run can be deduced assuming a typical Phillips curve or production function. For simplicity, assuming a standard SAS form: SAS = WP / some factor or using a simplified labor market model to relate real wages to output. Without explicit functional form, we assume a proportional relationship—say SAS at each price P is proportional to W/P, or similarly, using a linear approximation: SAS = (W/P) constant.

Suppose SAS = W * f(P), for example, W/P, then at W=50:

  • P=0.25: SAS = 50/0.25=200
  • P=0.8: SAS= 50/0.8=62.5
  • P=1: SAS=50/1=50
  • P=2: SAS=50/2=25

This indicates how short-run supply responds inversely with the price level given W constant.

c. Equilibrium of P and Y and its Nature

Equilibrium occurs where AD equals SAS: set the above AD and SAS equations equal for each P to find P and Y. For example, at each price, equate the AD and SAS values:

At P=0.25: 14409 = 200? No, so equilibrium does not occur here, but for illustrative purposes, solving for the intersection points across the P range provides the equilibrium P and Y. Typically, the equilibrium occurs where AD=AS in the actual plot, marking the short-run equilibrium point. If the equilibrium aligns with the natural output Y_N=18410.2, then this could be considered long-run equilibrium. If the intersection point is different, it indicates a deviation, characteristic of short-run disequilibrium.

d. Equilibrium Real Wage Interpretation

The equilibrium real wage (W/P) can be derived from the ratio used in SAS calculation. At equilibrium, W/P equals the marginal productivity or wage-setting equilibrium. Graphically, this corresponds to the point where the SAS curve intersects the AD curve. If, for instance, the equilibrium P is identified as 1 where AD and SAS intersect at a Y close to Y_N, then the real wage remains W/1=50. Variations from this point reflect deviations from the natural rate of wages, influencing labor market equilibrium, unemployment, and inflation pressures.

e. Deriving a New AD Curve with Increased Ap

Suppose Ap increases from 7061.2 to 7461.2, reflecting higher consumption and investment. The AD function becomes:

Y=2.047461.2 + 2(MS/P). Using assumed MS=1, at each P:

  • P=0.25: Y= 2.04*7461.2 + 8 ≈ 15244 +8=15252
  • P=0.8: Y= 15244 + 2.5=15246.5
  • P=1: Y=15244 + 2=15246
  • P=2: Y=15244 + 1=15245

This shifts the AD curve outward, indicating increased demand at each price level.

f. New Short-Run Equilibrium for P and Y

Setting the new AD equal to the SAS at each P, solving yields equilibrium points where both curves intersect. For instance, at P=1, if AD=15246 and SAS=50, we need a scaled SAS to match AD. Adjusting the assumptions or functional forms, the new equilibrium likely shows higher P and Y than before, confirming an upward shift in demand and potential inflationary pressures.

g. Interpretation of the New Equilibrium in Relation to Y_N

If the new equilibrium Y exceeds Y_N=18410.2, it suggests an overheating economy with demand outpacing natural output, potentially leading to inflation. Conversely, if P and Y are below natural levels, it indicates slack in the economy. Typically, an increase from 7061.2 to 7461.2 in AP, driving up AD, moves the equilibrium above natural output, illustrating demand-pull inflationary pressures.

h. Policy Response by the Federal Reserve

To counteract the increase in AD and prevent Y and P from rising, the Federal Reserve could tighten monetary policy by increasing interest rates, reducing the real money supply (MS/P) (Mishkin, 2019). This contractionary stance shifts the AD curve inward, stabilizing output and controlling inflation.

i. Fiscal Policy by Congress

Congress could implement contractionary fiscal policies, such as reducing government spending or increasing taxes, to decrease aggregate demand (Barro, 2020). These measures would directly lower Y and P, maintaining equilibrium at pre-shift levels and avoiding overheating of the economy.

Conclusion

Understanding the dynamic interplay between AD and SAS, alongside policy levers available to monetary and fiscal authorities, is essential in maintaining macroeconomic stability. As demonstrated, shifts in productivity, consumption, or investment significantly impact output and price levels. Proper policy calibration ensures sustainable growth, low inflation, and employment stability.

References

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