Article Summary. Although growing at only half the average rate following the
seven previous recessions, consumer spending has increased 9 percent since the
end of the 2007-2009 recession, and consumer confidence has been on the rise as
household finances, the job market, and the housing market continue to improve.
The Federal Reserve projects a 3% – 3.5% growth rate for the economy in 2014,
up from the recent average of 2%. Debt payments have fallen to an average of
15.69% of after-tax income for households, the lowest level in 30 years, and lower
debt payments leave households with more to spend on consumer goods. Source:
Neil Shah, “Pocketbooks Begin to Open As Household Wealth Grows,” Wall Street
Journal, June 25, 2013.
The increase in consumer spending discussed in the article summary was due in part to
lower debt payments which have resulted in an increase in disposable income. The
increase in consumption resulting from the increase in disposable income caused a(n)
________ the aggregate expenditure curve.
A) movement up along
B) movement down along
C) downward shift of
D) upward shift of
If the demand for labor is unchanged, an increase in the supply of labor will lead to
A) a decrease in the quantity of labor demanded and a decrease in the equilibrium
wage.
B) an increase in the quantity of labor demanded and a decrease in the equilibrium
wage.
C) an increase in the quantity of labor demanded and an increase in the equilibrium
wage.
D) a decrease in the quantity of labor demanded and an increase in the equilibrium
wage.