Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis from edX

How healthy is the state of the economy? How can economic policy help support or restore health to the economy? These questions are at the heart of financial programming. In our FPP courses you will learn the building blocks of how to answer to these questions.

Financial programming is a framework to analyze the current state of the economy, forecast where the economy is headed, and identify economic policies that can change the course of the economy.

In Part 1 of the FPP sequence, presented by IMF's Institute for Capacity Development, you will learn the basic skills required to conduct financial programming. The course presents the principal features of the four main sectors that comprise the macroeconomy (real, fiscal, external, and monetary); demonstrates how to read, interpret, and analyze the accounts for these sectors; and illustrates how these sectors are interlinked. (Part 2 of the FPP sequence will cover preparation of a baseline forecast and design of an adjustment program.)

During the course, economists from the IMF will lead you through the accounts and analysis of an economy. Besides engaging with lecture videos, you will answer questions on the concepts explained, solve short numerical exercises, discuss with fellow participants economic developments in your country, and work with data for a hypothetical country. The reading material will be provided to you.

Whether you are a civil servant working on economic issues for your country, a professional working with economic data, or simply interested in better understanding the developments of an economy, this course will provide hands-on training on macroeconomic analysis. We hope that you will join us in this exciting journey!

Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1 is offered by the IMF with financial support from the Government of Japan.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to identify the four main sectors of an economy and understand the key linkages among them
How to read, interpret, and analyze macroeconomic data

How to identify macroeconomic imbalances
How to retrieve data for your own country and analyze it

How to identify the four main sectors of an economy and understand the key linkages among them
How to read, interpret, and analyze macroeconomic data
How to identify macroeconomic imbalances
How to retrieve data for your own country and analyze it

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops a strong foundation for beginners in macroeconomic analysis

Explores how to identify and resolve macroeconomic imbalances

Teaches how to interpret and analyze macroeconomic data

Taught by economics experts from the IMF

Uses a hands-on approach through analyzing real-life economic scenarios

Requires extensive background knowledge in economics

Reviews summary

Macroeconomic concepts

According to students, this course provides a fresh perspective on macroeconomic concepts. Learners say the lectures are insightful, and the exercises are practical. Although the content is easily digestible for beginners, the course also challenges those with backgrounds in economics. The course engages students with support from staff on the discussion forum.

Helpful support staff

"Also, the supports from the staffs on the discussion forum were quite good."

Practical exercises

"In general, the lectures were insightful and the exercises were practical."

In-depth yet accessible content

"With an undergraduate degree in economics, I found this course very helpful to improve my understanding of macro-economy and policies, well beyond what I learned on textbooks."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis with these activities:

Review Calculus

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RefreshingCalculus will help you understand economic models.

Browse courses on Mathematics

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Review your notes
Take practice problems

Review Microeconomic Theory

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Refreshing Microeconomic Theory will help you understand macroeconomic concepts.

Browse courses on Microeconomics

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Review your notes
Take practice problems

Mankiw's Macroeconomics, 9th Edition

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Reviewing this book will provide you with a strong foundation in macroeconomic principles.

View Principles of Macroeconomics on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes
Complete the practice problems

Five other activities

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Solve Macroeconomic Problems

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Practice solving macroeconomic problems will help you develop analytical skills.

Browse courses on Macroeconomics

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks
Solve the problems
Check your answers

Join a Study Group

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Discussing course material with other students will help you retain information.

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Find a study group
Meet regularly
Discuss course material

Analyze Economic Data

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Practice analyzing economic data will help you develop critical thinking skills.

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Find economic data online or in textbooks
Plot the data
Identify trends and patterns
Write a report

Create a Microeconomic Model

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Building a microeconomic model willsolidify your understanding of microeconomic concepts and principles.

Browse courses on Microeconomics

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Choose a topic
Gather data
Build the model
Test the model
Write a report

Develop a Policy Brief

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Creating a policy brief will help you apply your knowledge to real-world policy issues.

Browse courses on Macroeconomics

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Choose a policy issue
Research the issue
Develop a policy proposal
Write a policy brief

Career center

Learners who complete Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Economist

Economists study economic policies and collect and analyze data to make informed judgments on how to allocate resources effectively. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for economists, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data, identify macroeconomic imbalances, and retrieve and analyze data from their own countries. This course may also be helpful for economists who are interested in working in international development or economic policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts provide advice to individuals or organizations on how to invest their money. They analyze economic data and make recommendations on which investments are likely to be the most profitable. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for financial analysts, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data and identify macroeconomic imbalances.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Investment Banker

Investment bankers help companies raise money by selling stocks and bonds. They also advise companies on mergers and acquisitions. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for investment bankers, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data and identify macroeconomic imbalances.

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Portfolio Manager

Portfolio managers manage investments for individuals and organizations. They make decisions about which investments to buy and sell, and how much money to invest in each. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for portfolio managers, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data, identify macroeconomic imbalances, and retrieve and analyze data from their own countries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Risk Manager

Risk managers identify and assess risks, and develop plans to mitigate those risks. They work in a variety of industries, including banking, insurance, and healthcare. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for risk managers, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data and identify macroeconomic imbalances.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for data scientists, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They work in a variety of industries, including government, healthcare, and education. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for statisticians, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematics to assess risk and uncertainty. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, pensions, and healthcare. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for actuaries, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help organizations develop and manage their budgets. They analyze financial data and make recommendations on how to allocate resources effectively. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for budget analysts, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data and identify macroeconomic imbalances.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst

Market Researcher

Market researchers collect and analyze data about consumers and markets. They use this data to help businesses make informed decisions about product development, marketing, and pricing. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for market researchers, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Financial Planner

Financial planners help individuals and families manage their finances. They develop financial plans that help clients achieve their financial goals. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis can be a valuable tool for financial planners, as it can help them develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret macroeconomic data and identify macroeconomic imbalances.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis may be a useful tool for teachers who want to teach economics or finance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Journalist

Reporters gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and television news. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis may be a useful tool for reporters who cover economics or finance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They make recommendations on how to improve public policy. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis may be a useful tool for policy analysts who work on economic or fiscal policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Consultant

Consultants provide advice to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics. They may specialize in a particular area, such as finance, marketing, or human resources. Financial Programming and Policies, Part 1: Macroeconomic Accounts & Analysis may be a useful tool for consultants who work on economic or financial issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant