Problem 1. For each of the following, predict the effects on the equilibrium levels of aggregate output (Y) and the interest rate ( r ):
A) During 2005, the Federal Reserve was tightening monetary policy in an attempt to slow the economy. The Congress passed a substantial cut in the individual income tax at the same time.
B) During the summer of 2003, the Congress passed and President Bush signed the third tax cut in 3 years. Many of the tax cuts took effect in 2005. Assume the FED holds Ms fixed.
C) In 1993, the Congress and the president raised taxes. At the same time, the FED was pursuing an expansionary monetary policy.
D) In 2005, conditions in Iraq led to a sharp drop in consumer confidence and a drop in consumption. Assume the FED holds the money supply constant.
Problem 2) State whether you disagree or agree with the following and why.
A) Inflation, a rise in the price level, causes the demand for money to decline. Because inflation causes money to be worth less, households desire to hold less of it.
B) If the FED buys bonds in the open market and at the same time we experience a recession, interest rates will no doubt rise.