1. The Macroeconomic Perspective Unit 3, Lesson 1

2. The Macroeconomic Perspective
Macroeconomic Perspective: Looking at the overall aspects and workings of a national economy.
What are the major goals the national economy?
Stable prices
Low unemployment
Economic growth

3. The Macroeconomic Perspective
Key Measures of the National Economy
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Unemployment Rate
Consumer Price Index (CPI)

5. Questions for Consideration
How do these images relate to the national economy?
Looking at the collage, what economic challenges do you see arising in the United States?

6. Macroeconomic Challenges
Issues that arise in a national economy that affect many communities across the country
What challenges do we face in today’s economy? (student responses)
Home foreclosures, banking crisis, high unemployment, high personal and national debt

7. How is our economy doing?
Some Statistical Measurements:
Employment declined by 800,000 jobs in January of 2010 and the U.S. unemployment rate at around 10% percent.
Consumer spending declined by 8% in Jan
Economic growth (GDP) decreased 0.7 percent. (Oct. 29, 2009)
What do these statistics reveal about our economy?
Do you expect that production will grow, remain the unchanged, or decline in the next year?
For additional stats go to

8. Why does Macroeconomics matter?
Businesses: Understanding macroeconomic trends helps businesses be responsive to the environment in which they compete
Households/ Consumers: Understanding macroeconomic trends helps people make informed decisions about personal finance and voting.
Is this a good time to buy a car?
Refinance your home?
Change to a new job?
Go to college?
How candidates and their policies affect my economic well-being