Definitions
Elements of the BOP
Surpluses and Deficits
100

This records financial transactions made between consumers, businesses and the government in one country with others. (Hint: It must = 0)

What is the Balance of Payments?

100

Current Account, Capital Account, Financial Account

What are the three components of the Balance of Payments?

100

When exports exceed imports.

What is a Balance of Trade Surplus?

200

Transfers of money where nothing is received in return.

What are current transfers?

200

Capital Transfers, Non-Financial Asset Transfers

What are the elements of the Capital Account?

200

A condition generally seen as undesirable and a sign of economic weakness.

What a Current Account Deficit?

300

Foreign currencies purchased to be used by the central bank in its monetary policy.

What are Reserve Assets?

300

Balance in the Trade of Goods, Balance in the Trade of Services, Income Transfers, Current Transfers

What are the elements of the Current Account?

300

A condition generally seen as undesirable and a sign of economic strength.

What is a current account surplus?

400

Exports in goods which leave the country (sold to foreigners) result in an inward flow of money and are recorded with a positive (+) sign on the balance of payments account.

What are Visible Exports?

400

Direct Investment, Portfolio Investment, Reserve Assets

What are the elements of the Financial Account?

400

Exporting less than is imported (X<M)

What is a Trade Deficit?

500

Imports of services are services where money flows a broad.  Hence they are called debits on the balance of payments current account.

What are invisible imports?

500

Debt Forgiveness, Non-Life Insurance Claims and Investment Grants are found in this section of the Balance of Payments.

What is the Capital Account?

500

Exporting more than is imported (X>M)

What is a Trade Surplus?