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
Correct answer: trim.
2. The company cut its earnings ____________________ for the next quarter.
Correct answer: forecast.
3. Leading indicators suggest that the recession may be ____________________ - becoming more severe.
Correct answer: deepening.
4. __________________________ measures = Measures to boost the economy
Correct answer: Stimulus.
5. Some analysts criticized the central bank for keeping interest rates at an ____________________ low level.
Correct answer: artificially.
6. Several factors may have ____________________ the financial crisis - helped cause it.
Correct answer: precipitated.
7. A steep decline = A ____________________ fall
Correct answer: dramatic.
8. A housing ____________________ is a rapid, unsustainable rise in property prices followed by a sharp decline.
Correct answer: bubble.
9. The policy had unintended negative ____________________ - results that had not been anticipated.
Correct answer: consequences.
10. To go ___________________________ = To go bankrupt