Theory of multiplier

CONTENT

1. Meaning of  Multiplier
2. Equilibrium Level of Income

DEFINITION OF MULTIPLIER

The theory of the multiplier– states that an increase in consumer or business investment spending in a country would produce a multiplier effect by raising the level of national income.  The multiplier effect can be as a result of changes in consumption expenditure, which is known as consumption multiplier or investment changes, which is known as investment multiplier. 

The concept of multiplier shows that a small change in investment can have a magnified effect on income. Multiplier = 1 / (1-MPC)  where MPC equals marginal propensity to consume.

Total increase in income depends on the marginal propensity to consume . If MPC is high , the

multiplier will be high and rise in income will be high when people spend on consumption , the level of national income rises.

Multiplier effect:

EVALUATION

1. What is meant by the multiplier

2. Calculate the total national income if the total national savings is N250m and the APS is 0.4

3.  If the mps is 0.4 what is the mpc.

EQUILIBRIUM LEVEL OF INCOME

Equilibrium Level of Income– is a situation where the total amount people wish to save equals total investment of business units. It refers to a point at which the aggregate saving equals aggregate investments. At equilibrium level of income, there is a balance between or equality of saving and investment as illustrated in the diagram below:

Again, at equilibrium level of income, there is a balance between the aggregate demand and aggregate supply, and there will be no tendency to increase or decrease output. The business sector is satisfied that the right volume of output has been achieved and there will be no tendency to alter it.

For equilibrium national income to be maintained, the volume of total withdrawals from the circular flow of income must be equal to the volume of total injections. That is, total amount of saving must be equal to total value of investment, and aggregate expenditure must be equal to total output.

Income earners (household) can spend their income on consumption of goods and services or save it, hence, Y = C + S. On the other hand, the firms can spend its income on the running overhead expenses or invest it, hence, Y = C + I. Probing this equation further, we will arrive at a situation of, S = I, where the aggregate saving equals aggregate investment that indicates the general equilibrium level of income.

NOTE: For Y to be constant, the level of savings (S) must be equal to investment (I). By implication, the amount of consumption goods and services produced by firms will be equal to the aggregate demand of the people (household).

EVALUATION

1. Explain what is meant by equilibrium level of income in an economy .
   1. How is equilibrium level of income in an economy attained ?

READING ASSIGNMENT

1.         Amplified and Simplified Economic for SSS by Femi Alonge,chapter 31 page 418- 425

2.         Mathematical Approach to Economics to Economics for SSS by Kunle A Nosiru pages 175-182

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1.         If a firm earns an annual income of N80m and spent N50m on procurement of working materials,calculate the APS of the firm. (a) 0.38 (b) 0.72 (c) 0.91 (d) 0.11

2.         If the marginal propensity to save is 0.45, calculate the multiplier

            (a)  0.75           (b) 2.2             (c) 0.14                        (d) 0.95

3.         In question 2 above calculate the level of investment which is required to raise income by N12,000 (a) N1,456 (b) N5,454.55 (c)  N4.646 (d) N4890.1

4.         If the mps is 0.3.  What is the mpc.

            (a) 0.1              (b) 0.5             (c) 0.7              (d)  0.15

5.         At the equilibrium level of income of an economy, the total expenditure

equals……. (a) total assets (b) total output (c) total investment (d) total capital

THEORY

1. If the monthly income of an individual increases from N8,000 to N12,000 and the increases his level of consumption by N60.00, calculate the marginal propensities to save and to consume.
2. Briefly explain the three different ways by which the equilibrium level of income of an economy can be determined.