Fiscal Deficit

What Does It Mean?
What Does Fiscal Deficit Mean?
When a government's total expenditures exceed the revenue that it generates (excluding money from borrowings). Deficit differs from debt, which is an accumulation of yearly deficits.
Investopedia Says
Investopedia explains Fiscal Deficit
A fiscal deficit is regarded by some as a positive economic event. For example, economist John Maynard Keynes believed that deficits help countries climb out of economic recession. On the other hand, fiscal conservatives feel that governments should avoid deficits in favor of a balanced budget policy.
Related Links
  • What Fuels The National Debt? - Learn the functions of the U.S. Treasury, and find out how and why it issues debt.
  • What Is Fiscal Policy? - Learn how governments adjust taxes and government spending to moderate the economy.
  • Macroeconomic Analysis - From unemployment and inflation to government policy, learn what macroeconomics measures and how it affects everyone.
  • Economics Basics - Learn economics principles such as the relationship of supply and demand, elasticity, utility, and more!
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