Nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a measure of the economic output produced by a country. It is a key indicator of a country’s economic health, measuring the total value of all goods and services produced within a given period, typically a year. GDP also serves as a tool for governments and central banks to track the economy’s performance and adjust policy accordingly to maintain financial stability.
GDP is measured by the value of all final goods and services purchased both domestically and internationally by the citizens and companies of a given country. It is important to note that the measurement of GDP only takes into account the value or price of final goods and services purchased, so raw materials and intermediate goods are omitted. For example, a car consists of raw materials, such as glass and steel, that must be purchased and put together. In this instance, only the final price or value of the car is included in the calculation of GDP.
Nominal GDP is often compared to real GDP, a measure of GDP that is adjusted for inflation. This means that price fluctuations of goods and services due to inflation or deflation are not considered in the calculation of real GDP, so it is seen as a more accurate representation of economic output on an annual basis. Where nominal GDP reflects the current market value of goods and services, real GDP reflects the purchasing power of these items, taking into account any changes in the value of money over time.
Nominal GDP Is also used to calculate other economic indicators, such as the unemployment rate and the consumer price index. It is also used as an international comparison measure. For example, when looking at the GDPs of countries in Europe, all data is measured on the basis of the euro (€), meaning the nominal GDP is adjusted to account for the varying exchange rates. This allows economists to compare the output of one country to another, regardless of currency.
Despite real GDP being a better measure over the long-term, nominal GDP is still important in providing an accurate picture of a country’s current economic activity. There are pros and cons to measuring nominal GDP, but as long as economists are aware of the potential discrepancies, it is an excellent barometer of a country’s economic output.