QUESTION 58 (5 marks)
Public debt is $600 billion and nominal GDP is $2000 billion. One year later debt is $630 billion and nominal GDP is $2200 billion. Calculate the debt-to-GDP ratio in both years. Explain why its movement does not prove the debt burden is harmless.
Practice marking scheme
Answer
30% then approximately 28.64%; the ratio falls despite higher debt.
Working
600/2000 × 100 = 30%. 630/2200 × 100 = 28.6364%. GDP grows faster than the debt stock, reducing the ratio. Servicing costs also depend on interest rates, maturity and government revenue. Nominal GDP growth may partly reflect inflation rather than a comparable increase in real productive capacity.
Marking criteria
- Calculates both ratios. [2 marks]
- Explains the denominator effect. [1 mark]
- Identifies debt-servicing and nominal-growth qualifications. [2 marks]
Practice question aligned to the current QCAA syllabus; review the worked solution and marking criteria.
View the QCAA syllabusCompare your working with the guide above.