GDP Deflator Index
In economics, the GDP deflator index (GDP deflator) is a measure of the level of prices of all the newly-produced domestic goods and services in an economy. It is also a measure of inflation and/or appreciation in prices in a wide variety of parts of the economy. As inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in most economies, the GDP deflator index is used less frequently.
The GDP deflator index is calculated by dividing the nominal GDP of the country in a given year by the real GDP of the same country in the same year, and then multiplying the result by 100. The GDP deflator is an aggregate price measure since it takes into account the prices of all newly– produced goods and services in an economy.
In order to calculate the GDP deflator index, we compare the total amount of money spent on new goods and services produced in the economy in two or more different years. Our nominal GDP is the total value of all newly-produced goods and services that are sold during a certain time period (usually a year). We compare this figure with our real GDP, which is calculated by making adjustments for changes in prices across the different years. By adjusting for the price changes, we can more accurately estimate the amount of production and the volume of goods and services produced in each year.
We then use these figures to calculate the GDP deflator index, which tells us the general level of prices across the entire economy. The percentage indicates how much prices have changed over the course of the year, compared to the base year. A higher GDP deflator index means that the average level of prices in the economy has increased, which generally signals inflation. A lower GDP deflator index alternatively, could be a sign of deflation, which is when the average prices of goods and services in the economy decrease.
The GDP deflator index is used by the Federal Reserve and other agencies to monitor macroeconomic factors such as inflation and deflation. It is also important in understanding how changes in the level of prices affects international agenda, particularly balance of payments.
The GDP deflator index is also important in determining national income and output. As prices increase, the value of production of newly-produced goods and services can remain the same. The GDP deflator index measures the purchasing power of a certain amount of money (such as the GDP) in a certain year in comparison with the same amount of money in another year.
To summarize, the GDP deflator index is an economic measure of all newly-produced goods and services in an economy. It helps to measure the level of prices and assess the state of the economy. It is thus useful in forming policy decisions and understanding the economic situation in a region.