What is GDP and Why Does It Matter

Jonathan M. Gardey, MBA, CFA®, CFP® 

President and Chief Executive Officer  

Recent news of a potential impending recession has cast a spotlight on a key measure of the country's economic health—Gross Domestic Product or GDP. Economists use the GDP number to gauge whether the economy is growing or shrinking, which makes it a vital decision-making tool for investors, business leaders, and policymakers.

So, what exactly is GDP, and why does it matter?

What is GDP? 

The GDP is a measure of the monetary value of all goods and services produced in a country over a period of time. It's an equation that totals the many components of measurement, such as the country's level of consumption, investment, government spending on goods and services, and the difference in profits between exports and imports. 

GDP = Consumption + Investment + Government Spending on Goods and Services + (Exports – Imports)

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) is responsible for collecting contributing data from multiple sources, including builder, manufacturer, retail, and trade flow reports and surveys.[i]

Here is a breakdown of each component:

Consumption: The sum of goods and services purchased by consumers. Consumption is the largest component of GDP, comprising about 70% of the total. So, when consumption increases, it's viewed as an indication of a healthy economy. 

Investment: Refers to investments in business activity that will produce future benefits, such as buying equipment and inventory or expanding operations. Increasing investment leads to higher production capacity and employment rates. 

Government spending: Your taxes fuel government spending on education, military, transportation, and infrastructure. When government spending exceeds its tax collections, it runs at a deficit rather than a surplus.

Exports minus imports: When the export of goods and services produced within the U.S. is greater than imports purchased by consumers, the country has a trade surplus, which is a positive. 

Nominal vs. Real GDP[ii]

There are two ways to calculate GDP— (1) nominal GDP using current market prices without factoring in inflation and (2) real GDP that factors in inflation accounting for the overall rise in the price level. Nominal GDP measures general economic changes, while real GDP provides a more accurate representation of the country's economic health. 

Why it Matters 

As a critical measure of the economy's performance and direction, economists, investors, policymakers, and consumers scrutinize GDP. It is reported quarterly as a year-over-year measurement of the economy's growth or decline. If GPD shows a year-over-year gain, the economy is growing because it is more productive. If the number declines, it means the economy is shrinking because it is less productive. 

Here’s another way to look at it. Low GDP growth—under 3%--means the economy is sluggish. Negative GDP growth, represented as a negative number, indicates the economy is contracting. 

In addition to providing a comprehensive measure of the economy's performance and health, an analysis of GDP and its components can provide valuable insights into the factors driving or slowing economic growth. 

Generally, more robust economic growth translates into higher corporate profits, which results in higher share prices. When GDP trends higher over time, it's an indication to investors that corporate profits are rising, and it's a good time to invest. When GDP trends lower, it's a sign that companies are becoming less productive and investing less, prompting investors to prepare for lower share prices. 

Tracking GDP numbers can be especially useful for investors interested in investing in emerging markets. Many emerging markets have GDP growth rates that far exceed the U.S., presenting opportunities for higher returns on investment. 

It's important to note that GDP is not a leading indicator. It provides a comprehensive appraisal of the economy's performance by looking back at data and events that have already occurred. Therefore, the GDP number has to be viewed in the context of reports that preceded it, along with other timelier indicators.

At Gardey Financial Advisors, we help investors and their families navigate the market cycles through every economic season and help answer any and all questions along the way. If you find yourself in need of comprehensive wealth services, we invite you to take a tour of our website and learn more about our firm. We best serve clients looking for exceptional client service, who value a long-term partnership, and have a minimum of $500,000 in investable assets.

Publication Disclosure: 

Important Disclosure Information 

To better understand the nature and scope of the advisory services and business practices of Gardey Financial Advisors Inc., please review our SEC Form ADV Part 2A and ADV Part 3 (Form CRS) available via the SEC's website, www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. (Click on the link, select “Investment Advisor Firm,” and type in the firm name. Results will provide you both Part 1, 2 and 3 of the Gardey Financial Advisors Form ADV.) Statistics from third-party sources are deemed to be accurate but have not been confirmed by Gardey Financial Advisors.     

This communication is for informational purposes only and does not purport to be a complete statement of all material facts related to any company, industry, or security mentioned. The information provided, while not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness, has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this commentary serves as the receipt of, or is a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Gardey Financial Advisors. The opinions expressed reflect our judgment now and are subject to change without notice and may or may not be updated. Past performance should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future performance, and no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding future performance. Readers who are not market professionals or institutional clients of Gardey Financial Advisors should seek the advice of their financial advisor, tax, or legal advisor before making any investment decisions based on this communication. Gardey Financial Advisors does not render legal, accounting or tax advice. Gardey Financial Advisors works closely with our client’s other professional advisors. The solutions discussed may not be suitable for you, even if your situation is like the example presented. Investors must make their own decisions based on their specific investment objectives and financial circumstances. It should not be assumed that the recommendations made in this situation will result in the mentioned outcome. The commentary does not represent any specific clients, investments, or strategies. 

 Resources

[i] https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gross-domestic-product 21 October 2022

[ii] https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/030515/when-do-economists-use-real-gdp-instead-gdp.asp 21 October 2022