The term ‘Twin deficit’ in an economy means-a)High budget ...
Twin deficit basically refers to a situation where the country runs relatively large current account and fiscal deficits.
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The term ‘Twin deficit’ in an economy means-a)High budget ...
Understanding the Twin Deficit
The term "Twin Deficit" refers to a situation in an economy where there are two significant imbalances occurring simultaneously: a high current account deficit and a high fiscal deficit. Here’s a breakdown of what each deficit entails:
Current Account Deficit
- This occurs when a country’s total imports of goods, services, and transfers exceed its total exports.
- A persistent current account deficit indicates the country is borrowing from foreign sources to fund its spending.
Fiscal Deficit
- A fiscal deficit arises when a government's total expenditures exceed its total revenues, excluding money from borrowings.
- It reflects the government's inability to finance its expenses through its own income, requiring it to borrow to bridge the gap.
Implications of Twin Deficit
- The presence of both deficits can lead to economic instability, as it may indicate over-reliance on foreign capital.
- Investors may lose confidence, leading to depreciation of the national currency and potentially higher inflation.
- Policymakers face challenges in managing economic growth while addressing these deficits, often requiring austerity measures or structural reforms.
Conclusion
In summary, the "Twin Deficit" phenomenon highlights critical economic vulnerabilities. Understanding its components—current account and fiscal deficits—provides insight into the health of an economy and the challenges it may face. Addressing these deficits is crucial for achieving sustainable economic growth and stability.