Burgernomics is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity, the notion that a dollar should buy the same amount in all countries. Thus in the long run, the exchange rate between two countries should move towards the rate that equalises the prices of an identical basket of goods and services in each country. Our "basket" is a McDonald's Big Mac, which is produced in about 120 countries. The Big Mac PPP is the exchange rate that would mean hamburgers cost the same in America as abroad. Comparing actual exchange rates with PPPs indicates whether a currency is under- or overvalued.
An introduction to U.S. macroeconomic policy issues, such as how we use monetary and fiscal policies to promote economic growth, low unemployment, and low inflation.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Big Mac index
The Economist magazine uses the Big Mac Index to measure the relative purchasing power of various currencies. (Click the image below to enlarge it.)According to Economist.com:
Theirs to much spending period.
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