UPSC MainsECONOMICS-PAPER-I20197 Marks
Q7.

IS-LM Curves & Equilibrium

Consumption function, C = 250+0.5 (Y –T) - 500r Investment function, I = 250 - 500r Real money demand function, L / P = 0.5Y – 500r Nominal money supply, M = 7650 Price level, P = 17 Tax = T = Government expenditure = G = 200 Here Y = Real income, r = Real rate of interest, L = Nominal money demand, P = Price level. Find the equations for IS and LM curves, and solve for Y and r.

How to Approach

This question requires a strong understanding of IS-LM model in macroeconomics. The approach should involve deriving the IS and LM equations from the given functions, then solving them simultaneously to find the equilibrium real income (Y) and real interest rate (r). The answer should demonstrate a clear understanding of the underlying economic principles and the mathematical steps involved. Focus on showing the derivation process, not just the final answer.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The IS-LM model is a macroeconomic tool used to analyze the short-run equilibrium of the economy. It represents the interaction between the goods market (IS curve) and the money market (LM curve). The IS curve shows combinations of interest rates and output levels where the goods market is in equilibrium, while the LM curve represents combinations where the money market is in equilibrium. Understanding these curves and their intersection is crucial for analyzing the effects of monetary and fiscal policies. This question provides specific functions for consumption, investment, and money demand, allowing us to derive and solve for the equilibrium values of income and interest rate.

Derivation of the IS Curve

The IS curve represents equilibrium in the goods market, where aggregate demand equals aggregate supply. We can derive it using the following steps:

  1. Aggregate Demand (AD): AD = C + I + G
  2. Substitute the given functions: AD = (250 + 0.5(Y-T) - 500r) + (250 - 500r) + 200
  3. Simplify, given T = G = 200: AD = 250 + 0.5(Y-200) - 500r + 250 - 500r + 200
  4. Further simplification: AD = 250 + 0.5Y - 100 - 500r + 250 - 500r + 200
  5. Final AD equation: AD = 600 + 0.5Y - 1000r
  6. Equilibrium condition: Y = AD. Therefore, Y = 600 + 0.5Y - 1000r
  7. Rearrange to get the IS equation: 0.5Y = 600 - 1000r => Y = 1200 - 2000r

Thus, the IS curve equation is: Y = 1200 - 2000r

Derivation of the LM Curve

The LM curve represents equilibrium in the money market, where real money supply equals real money demand. The derivation is as follows:

  1. Real Money Demand (Md/P): L/P = 0.5Y – 500r
  2. Real Money Supply (Ms/P): Ms/P = M/P = 7650/17 = 450
  3. Equilibrium condition: Md/P = Ms/P. Therefore, 0.5Y – 500r = 450
  4. Rearrange to get the LM equation: 0.5Y = 450 + 500r => Y = 900 + 1000r

Thus, the LM curve equation is: Y = 900 + 1000r

Solving for Y and r

To find the equilibrium values of Y and r, we need to solve the IS and LM equations simultaneously:

IS: Y = 1200 - 2000r

LM: Y = 900 + 1000r

Equating the two equations:

1200 - 2000r = 900 + 1000r

300 = 3000r

r = 0.1 or 10%

Substituting r = 0.1 into either the IS or LM equation to find Y:

Y = 1200 - 2000(0.1) = 1200 - 200 = 1000

Or, Y = 900 + 1000(0.1) = 900 + 100 = 1000

Therefore, the equilibrium real income (Y) is 1000 and the equilibrium real interest rate (r) is 10%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by deriving the IS and LM curves from the given functions and solving them simultaneously, we have determined the equilibrium real income to be 1000 and the equilibrium real interest rate to be 10%. This analysis demonstrates the power of the IS-LM model in understanding macroeconomic equilibrium and the interplay between the goods and money markets. Changes in government spending, taxes, or the money supply would shift these curves and lead to new equilibrium values, highlighting the importance of these policy tools in managing the economy.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

IS Curve
The IS curve represents the locus of all combinations of interest rates and output levels where the goods market is in equilibrium. It slopes downward, indicating an inverse relationship between interest rates and output.
LM Curve
The LM curve represents the locus of all combinations of interest rates and output levels where the money market is in equilibrium. It slopes upward, indicating a direct relationship between interest rates and output.

Key Statistics

India's GDP growth rate for FY23-24 (estimated) is 7.3% (Source: National Statistical Office, February 2024).

Source: National Statistical Office, February 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the repo rate by a cumulative 135 basis points in 2019 to stimulate economic growth (as of knowledge cutoff December 2023).

Source: Reserve Bank of India

Examples

Impact of Fiscal Stimulus during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries, including India, implemented fiscal stimulus packages (increased government spending) to boost aggregate demand and mitigate the economic downturn. This shifted the IS curve to the right, leading to higher output and potentially higher interest rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the money supply increases?

An increase in the money supply shifts the LM curve to the right, leading to lower interest rates and higher output, assuming the IS curve remains constant.

Topics Covered

EconomyMacroeconomicsMonetary PolicyFiscal PolicyAggregate Demand