Question

If real GDP declines in a given year, nominal GDP _____. rev: 04_09_2018 Multiple Choice must also be increasing may either rise or fall must also be declining is likely to remain constant

Answer 1

Answer: May either rise or fall

Explanation:

The differnce between the Real GDP and the Nominal GDP is inflation. Whereas Nominal GDP is calculated with the current prices, Real GDP uses the prices from a base year so as to negate the effects of inflation.

If Real GDP declines in a given year therefore, nominal GDP could rise if the inflation is high enough to make it seem as though the country is producing more goods and services even if this is not the case.

However, Nominal GDP could also fall if the economy is simply contracting with a low inflation rate and this was the reason that the Real GDP fell as well.