week 2 Discussions (Macroeconomics)

The Current State of the Economy and Unemployment

Read the journal article, "Five Big Steps toward Faster Global Growth". Based on the information presented in the article, discuss the following:

• What are the challenges that the US economy will be faced with given a higher debt limit for future economic growth?
• Describe what would happen to GDP, the unemployment rate and the inflation rate if there is a decline in global growth.

Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.

Reference: Malpass, D. (2014, January 22). Five big steps toward faster global growth. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/currentevents/2014/01/22/five-big-steps-toward-faster-global-growth/

Guided Response: Review and respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by discussing this question in terms of how global growth impacts GDP and unemployment.

Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.

Who Benefits and Who Loses from Inflation?

Inflation is an important policy issue because it causes a redistribution of income and wealth, and discourages saving and investment.  Discuss how inflation affects borrowers and lenders, asset prices, and households on fixed incomes.  

Reference: Chapter 4, section 4.3: Gainers and Losers from Inflation. 

Guided Response: Review and respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by sharing any ideas you may have about how households and businesses can protect themselves against inflation. Be sure to refer to concepts found in the reading when responding to your classmates.

Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.