Page One Economics^®

Potential output is an estimate of what the economy could produce. Actual output is what the economy does produce. If actual is below potential—a negative output gap—there is “slack” in the economy. If actual is above potential—a positive output gap—resources are fully employed, or perhaps overutilized. This issue of Page One Economics® explains how the output gap is useful for checking the health of the economy. It also points out how errors in the estimation of potential real GDP can reduce the effectiveness of policy.

Consumers often measure whether they got a good deal on a purchase by the difference between the original price and a sales price. The bigger the difference is, the better the deal feels. The original price a consumer is exposed to becomes a reference point, or an anchor. The April 2021 issue of Page One Economics^® Focus on Finance explains the anchoring effect and the role it plays in the decisionmaking process when it comes to what consumers are willing to pay for a good or service.

Pandemics, hurricanes, and other scientific events can alter the course of markets. Changes in technology can, too. This issue of Page One Economics® explains the laws of supply and demand and uses graphs to show how price and quantity change when markets shift.

Many of even the most prepared young people could not have anticipated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about some of the pandemic’s economic impacts on young people and their families and some information and tips for financial planning in the February 2021 Page One Economics^®:Focus on Finance.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic changed consumer spending habits. The January 2021 issue of Page One Economics^® reviews how people substituted meals purchased at restaurants with meals cooked at home. Also, people traveled less and the demand for hotel services decreased. As a result, both employment and prices declined in the leisure and hospitality industry.