What Is Macroeconomic Analysis?

Macroeconomic analysis refers to the process of utilizing macroeconomic factors and principles in the analysis of the economy. Macroeconomic factors include factors like unemployment, inflation, government policies, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and interest rates. Such factors enable economists and financial analysts to make an informed assessment of the state of the economy of a nation. This analysis allows the economists to make accurate predictions or forecasting concerning the future of the economy in relation to the past and present statistics.

During the process of macroeconomic analysis, economic trends are studied to find out if there are signs of inflation. Unmanaged inflation that is allowed to spiral out of control is detrimental to the economy of any country. Inflation may be divided into anticipated and unanticipated inflation. During the macroeconomic analysis, the economic trend will allow the economists to predict if there is a likelihood of inflation in the future. If this is the case, businesses and even governments can take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of the inflation. When the inflation is unanticipated, such protective measure will not be taken, leaving the business vulnerable to the effects.

The process of macroeconomic analysis includes a study of government policies that have a bearing on the economy. When the government has too many unfriendly economic policies, this will discourage economic growth by scaring away investors and by making the economic climate unfriendly for local businesses. Such unfriendly economic policies include excessive taxes and import duties. The GDP is also relevant during a macroeconomic analysis, because it is also an indicator of the state of the economy.

When the GDP is stable, this may be viewed as a positive factor if it is at a desirable level. When the GDP drops to a low level, this may be viewed as an indicator that there is not enough demand for goods and services. On the other hand, an excessively elevated GDP is a bad omen, which means that the market is overheating and may soon crash. If this is the case, the government may decide to intervene by manipulating the economy through mechanisms that include interest rates.

If the interest rate is high, it may discourage consumers from spending money and nudge them in the direction of saving more. Such a strategy will also bring down the high GDP that was caused by excessive consumer spending. The reverse is the case when the interest rate is low. More consumers will be encouraged to borrow more from lenders to finance their purchases. This move will once again increase consumer spending and push the GDP up.