January 26, 2009

This is fun

A prominent economist sent Professor Mankiw the following e-mail:
Discussion question.

Scenario 1. AmeriBank of Holland, Ohio, receives TARP funds and uses $20,000 to hire Joe the Plumber to remodel a bathroom in one of its banks.

Scenario 2. AmeriBank of Holland, Ohio, receives TARP funds and loans $20,000 to Bob the Baker to remodel a bathroom in his house.

Explain the difference in macroeconomic stimulus in these two scenarios.

I have a few guesses, but since I'm an amateur I'd rather refrain from embarrassment. When Greg posts a followup I will copy it here.

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