What is GDP and how is it calculated
Define GDP and explain the method to calculate GDP with an example.
- The most common method for calculating GDP is the expenditure approach.
- This method involves four components: consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports.
- The formula for GDP using the expenditure approach is: GDP = C + I + G + NX
- C represents household consumption of goods and services.
- I represents business investment in capital goods.
- G represents government spending on goods and services.
- NX represents the net exports of goods and services.
- For example, if a country has a GDP of $10 trillion, and its consumption is $6 trillion, its investment is $2 trillion, its government spending is $1.5 trillion, and its net exports are -$0.5 trillion, the calculation would be as follows: $10 trillion = $6 trillion (consumption) + $2 trillion (investment) + $1.5 trillion (government spending) - $0.5 trillion (net exports).
- This means that $10 trillion worth of goods and services were produced and purchased in the country during the specified period.
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