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xiyu
12/07/2025
Economics
Edexcel A level Economics A Theme 2 Balance of Payments on Current Account
1,070
•
12 Jul 2025
•
xiyu
@illxiyutheretmr
The Balance of payments A Level Economics edexcelcovers crucial... Show more
This component covers exports and imports of visible and finished goods, such as cars and computers. The UK typically has a deficit in this area due to:
Highlight: Deindustrialization has led to a decline in the UK's manufacturing industry, resulting in higher imports of goods from other countries.
The UK performs well in this sector, often running a current account surplus. Key service areas include:
Example: The UK's financial sector provides services such as commissions, debt management, and investment services to foreign clients.
This component represents the net flow of profits, interest, and dividends from investments in other countries, as well as remittance flows from migrant workers.
Secondary income includes net money transfers to international organizations, foreign aid, and other commitments.
Highlight: The UK's commitment to foreign aid contributes to the current account deficit.
The graph provided shows the UK's current account balance as a percentage of GDP from 1970 to 2021, illustrating the persistent deficit.
Several factors contribute to the UK's persistent current account deficit:
Definition: Deindustrialization is measured by the ratio of people employed in manufacturing to total employment, or manufacturing output as a percentage of GDP.
Highlight: The UK's tendency to consume more than save reduces available funds for business investments.
Several cyclical factors can impact the balance of payments:
Example: A strong currency makes exports more expensive, potentially worsening the trade balance.
A current account deficit can have significant implications for an economy:
Highlight: Economists typically consider a deficit of 5% of GDP concerning. The UK's current deficit is around 2.5%.
Understanding these factors is crucial for A Level Economics students studying macroeconomic objectives and the UK balance of payments. This knowledge forms a key part of Theme 2: Macroeconomics in the Edexcel A Level Economics curriculum.
Page 6: Economic Implications
The final page examines the implications of current account deficits and their significance for economic policy. It addresses the consequences of current account deficit and their broader economic impact.
Highlight: A current account deficit exceeding 5% of GDP is generally considered concerning by economists.
Definition: The wealth effect describes how changes in personal wealth influence consumption patterns, including the purchase of imports.
Current Account Deficit Implications
The page discusses the significance of current account deficits and their economic impact.
Highlight: A deficit exceeding 5% of GDP typically concerns economists.
Example: The UK's current deficit is approximately 2.5% of GDP.
Definition: Aggregate demand shifts can contribute to current account deficits.
Hot Money Flows and Case Studies
This section examines speculative capital movements and historical examples.
Definition: Hot money represents rapidly moving capital seeking higher short-term interest rates.
Example: Iceland's 2008 crisis demonstrates the risks of significant current account deficits.
Highlight: Currency speculation can destabilize national economies.
Current Account Surplus Effects
The page analyzes the challenges faced by countries with persistent surpluses.
Example: Germany, China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia maintain current account surpluses.
Highlight: Surpluses can lead to currency appreciation and reduced competitiveness.
Definition: Currency appreciation makes exports more expensive and imports cheaper.
The Balance of Payments is a key macroeconomic objective that measures a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world. It is typically expressed as a percentage of GDP to indicate its relevance to the economy.
Definition: The balance of payments is balanced when the combined receipts from selling goods and services abroad plus return on investments abroad equals the combined expenditure on imports of goods and services plus investment income going abroad.
The balance of payments consists of four main components:
Highlight: The UK often experiences a current account deficit, particularly in trade in goods, due to deindustrialization and reliance on imports.
Example: The UK's financial services sector contributes positively to the balance of payments, generating around £10 billion in profit annually.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
xiyu
@illxiyutheretmr
The Balance of payments A Level Economics edexcel covers crucial aspects of current account balances and macroeconomic objectives. This comprehensive guide explores the components, causes, and implications of current account deficits and surpluses.
Key points:
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This component covers exports and imports of visible and finished goods, such as cars and computers. The UK typically has a deficit in this area due to:
Highlight: Deindustrialization has led to a decline in the UK's manufacturing industry, resulting in higher imports of goods from other countries.
The UK performs well in this sector, often running a current account surplus. Key service areas include:
Example: The UK's financial sector provides services such as commissions, debt management, and investment services to foreign clients.
This component represents the net flow of profits, interest, and dividends from investments in other countries, as well as remittance flows from migrant workers.
Secondary income includes net money transfers to international organizations, foreign aid, and other commitments.
Highlight: The UK's commitment to foreign aid contributes to the current account deficit.
The graph provided shows the UK's current account balance as a percentage of GDP from 1970 to 2021, illustrating the persistent deficit.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Several factors contribute to the UK's persistent current account deficit:
Definition: Deindustrialization is measured by the ratio of people employed in manufacturing to total employment, or manufacturing output as a percentage of GDP.
Highlight: The UK's tendency to consume more than save reduces available funds for business investments.
Several cyclical factors can impact the balance of payments:
Example: A strong currency makes exports more expensive, potentially worsening the trade balance.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
A current account deficit can have significant implications for an economy:
Highlight: Economists typically consider a deficit of 5% of GDP concerning. The UK's current deficit is around 2.5%.
Understanding these factors is crucial for A Level Economics students studying macroeconomic objectives and the UK balance of payments. This knowledge forms a key part of Theme 2: Macroeconomics in the Edexcel A Level Economics curriculum.
Page 6: Economic Implications
The final page examines the implications of current account deficits and their significance for economic policy. It addresses the consequences of current account deficit and their broader economic impact.
Highlight: A current account deficit exceeding 5% of GDP is generally considered concerning by economists.
Definition: The wealth effect describes how changes in personal wealth influence consumption patterns, including the purchase of imports.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Current Account Deficit Implications
The page discusses the significance of current account deficits and their economic impact.
Highlight: A deficit exceeding 5% of GDP typically concerns economists.
Example: The UK's current deficit is approximately 2.5% of GDP.
Definition: Aggregate demand shifts can contribute to current account deficits.
Hot Money Flows and Case Studies
This section examines speculative capital movements and historical examples.
Definition: Hot money represents rapidly moving capital seeking higher short-term interest rates.
Example: Iceland's 2008 crisis demonstrates the risks of significant current account deficits.
Highlight: Currency speculation can destabilize national economies.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Current Account Surplus Effects
The page analyzes the challenges faced by countries with persistent surpluses.
Example: Germany, China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia maintain current account surpluses.
Highlight: Surpluses can lead to currency appreciation and reduced competitiveness.
Definition: Currency appreciation makes exports more expensive and imports cheaper.
The Balance of Payments is a key macroeconomic objective that measures a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world. It is typically expressed as a percentage of GDP to indicate its relevance to the economy.
Definition: The balance of payments is balanced when the combined receipts from selling goods and services abroad plus return on investments abroad equals the combined expenditure on imports of goods and services plus investment income going abroad.
The balance of payments consists of four main components:
Highlight: The UK often experiences a current account deficit, particularly in trade in goods, due to deindustrialization and reliance on imports.
Example: The UK's financial services sector contributes positively to the balance of payments, generating around £10 billion in profit annually.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user