Build your economics vocabulary with this exercise. Understanding these terms will help you follow financial news, discuss economic trends, and participate in conversations about the global economy.
📚 Key vocabulary GDP (Gross Domestic Product) — the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a year recession — a period of economic decline lasting at least two consecutive quarters, marked by falling output and rising unemployment inflation rate — the percentage increase in the general price level of goods and services over a period of time unemployment rate — the percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking work trade deficit — when a country's imports of goods and services exceed its exports in value austerity measures — government policies that reduce public spending and increase taxes to reduce budget deficits quantitative easing — a monetary policy where a central bank purchases securities to increase money supply and stimulate growth interest rate hike — an increase in a central bank's benchmark rate, typically used to control inflation economic stimulus — government actions intended to encourage spending and investment to boost economic activity consumer confidence index — a measure of how optimistic consumers are about economic conditions and their financial situation
READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!
Choose the correct response to complete each sentence.
1. To cut down on spending = To __________________________ spending
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2. FedEx cut its earnings __________________________ for the first quarter of 2021. = FedEx plans to make less than expected in the first quarter of 2021.
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3. Leading economic indicators show that the global recession might be __________________________. ( = getting worse)
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4. __________________________ measures = Measures to boost the economy
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5. Many people blame the United States for keeping interest rates at an ___________________________ ( = unnaturally) low rate.
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6. Low interest rates were one of the ___________________________ factors of the current financial crisis. = Low interest rates were one of the causes of the current financial crisis.
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7. A steep decline = A ____________________ fall
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8. A "housing __________________" refers to a rapid increase in real estate prices, followed by a sharp decline (due to people not being able to pay such high prices).
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9. In the United States, the push to increase the availability of home loans for the economically disadvantaged was a noble cause with unintended negative ___________________________. ( = results)
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10. To go ___________________________ = To go bankrupt
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