Economic stimulus, also known as fiscal stimulus, is a set of government policies and measures aimed at boosting economic growth and promoting recovery during periods of economic slowdown or recession. The primary goal is to increase consumer spending, business investment, and overall economic activity to counteract the negative effects of economic downturns.
The government may increase its spending on various infrastructure projects, public services, and social welfare programs. This injection of funds creates demand for goods and services, stimulating the economy. In some cases, they may issue direct cash payments to households or specific groups of individuals to boost their purchasing power and consumption.
Governments may implement temporary tax cuts to encourage increased spending and investment. Lower taxes can leave individuals with more disposable income and businesses with more funds for expansion and job creation. Additionally, they may offer businesses incentives, grants, or subsidies to invest in new projects, research and development, or job creation.
Central banks can use monetary policy tools to stimulate the economy, such as lowering interest rates or implementing quantitative easing. Lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs, encouraging businesses and consumers to take loans for spending and investment. In addition, governments may provide support and liquidity to troubled financial institutions to stabilize the banking system and prevent further economic damage.
Economic stimulus measures are typically counter-cyclical, meaning they are implemented during economic downturns when demand is weak and unemployment is high. While economic stimulus can provide short-term relief and support economic recovery, it also comes with potential drawbacks, such as increased government debt and the risk of inflation.