📚 Learning Guide
Balance of Payments Adjustments
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A country experiences a decrease in net exports due to a global economic downturn. Which of the following adjustments is most likely to occur in the balance of payments to maintain equilibrium?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

An increase in foreign direct investment as capital inflows rise to offset the current account deficit.

B

A decrease in government spending on domestic programs leading to a surplus in the capital account.

C

A rise in domestic savings rates that reduces imports and improves the current account.

D

A decrease in the exchange rate which would further worsen the current account deficit.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

When a country experiences a decrease in net exports, it means that it is selling less to other countries than it is buying from them. This situation can lead to a trade deficit, where the country spends more on imports than it earns from exports. To maintain balance in the payments, the country might adjust by decreasing its imports or increasing its exports. For example, if a country that usually exports cars sells fewer cars due to a global economic downturn, it might respond by encouraging local companies to reduce their imports of foreign goods. This adjustment helps to balance the payments by ensuring that the money flowing in and out of the country is more equal.

Detailed Explanation

When a country sells less to other countries, it can lose money. Other options are incorrect because Cutting government spending does not directly fix trade problems; Saving more at home does not automatically reduce imports.

Key Concepts

Balance of Payments
Current Account and Capital Account Relationship
Net Exports
Topic

Balance of Payments Adjustments

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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