### How IS and LM Curves Combine to Generate the Aggregate Demand Curve

Also known as the Hicks-Hansen model, the IS-LM curve is a macroeconomic tool used to show how interest rates and real economic output relate.

IS refers to Investment-Saving while LM refers to Liquidity preference-Money supply. These curves are used to model the general equilibrium and have been given two equivalent interpretations. First, the IS-LM model is used to explain the changes that occur in national income with a fixed short-run price level. Secondly, the IS-LM curve explains the causes of a shift in the aggregate demand curve.

In the next sections, we will first have an overview of the general IS-LM equilibrium, and then we will describe both curves.

## The IS-LM Model

The model is represented as a graph consisting of two intersecting lines. On the X-axis we have the real gross domestic product (Y), which is simply the output that the economy produces. On the Y-axis, we have nominal interest rates (i).

The intersection of the IS and LM curves shows the equilibrium point of interest rates and output when money markets and the real economy are in balance. If we move one of the two curves to the right or to the left, the model gives us a new set of economic output and interest rates.

### IS Curve

Here, the interest rate is the independent variable while the level of income is the dependent variable. Notably, the curve is downward sloping. The IS also shows the locus point where total income equals total spending:

$$Y=C(Y-T(Y))+I(r)+G+NX(Y)$$

Where:

$$Y$$ = income

$$C(Y-T(Y))$$ = consumer spending as an increasing function of disposable income

$$l(r)$$ = investment. A decreasing function of interest rates

$$G$$ = government expenditure

$$NX(Y)$$ = net exports

### Example of the IS Curve

The following equations are given for a certain American state:

Consumption function $$(C(Y-T(Y))) = 1,000 + 0.5(Y – T)$$

Investment function $$(I(r, Y)) = 100 + 0.1Y – 30r$$

Government spending $$(G) = 1000$$

Net export $$(NX)=500-0.6Y$$

Tax function $$(T(Y))= –100 + 0.3Y$$

Use the equations above to find the equation that best describes the IS curve.

Solution

Using the identity

$$Y = C(Y-T(Y)) + I(r) + G + NX(Y)$$

We have,

$$Y = 1,000 + 0.5(Y – T(Y))+ 100 + 0.1Y – 30r+ 1000+ 500-0.6Y$$

Substitute the tax function and solve for Y. We get,

$$Y=2304.35-26.092r$$

This is the final equation for the IS curve, which summarizes combinations of income and the real interest rate at which income and the expenditure are equal, that is, it reflects the goods market.

### LM Curve

In this case, the independent variable is income while the independent variable is interest rates. This curve represents the money market equilibrium. Also, it represents the set of points at an equilibrium between liquidity preference (demand for money) and the money supply function.

By using the quantity of money theory, we get a clear relationship between the nominal money supply (M), the price level (P) and the real income/expenditure (Y):

$$MV=PY$$

Where V is the rate at which the money circulates in the economy (velocity of money). If we assume that V remains constant, then the theory postulates that the money supply determines the nominal value of the output (PY), that is, an increase in the money supply will increase the nominal value of output. However, this equation does not tell us how will this increase will be felt in price and quantity.

We can rewrite the quantity theory equation in terms of the supply and demand for real money balance as:

$$M/P=(M/P)_D=kY$$

Where $$k=\frac{1}{V}$$ denotes how much money people desire to hold for every currency unit of real income. Using the above equation, it’s easy to see that, demand for real money balances is inversely proportional to interest rate since the high-interest rate encourages the investors to venture in high yielding securities. Therefore, the demand for real money balances is an increasing function of real income (M) and a decreasing function of the interest rate.

Equilibrium in a money market requires that:

$$M/P=M(r,Y)$$

By holding the M/P constant, it is easy to see that the real income Y and the real interest rate r have a positive relationship, that an increase in income must be followed by an increase in the interest rate so that demand for real money balances equals to the supply.

### Example of LM Curve

The money demand and supply for a certain American state are:

Real Money Demand=$$(M/P)_D=-200+0.25Y-30r$$

Real Money Supply=$$M/P=5,000/P$$

Find the equation of the LM curve.

Solution

In order to find the LM curve, we need to equate the real money supply to real money demand and rearrange to make Y the subject. That is,

$$(M/P)_D=M/P$$

$$\therefore -200+0.25Y-30r=M/P$$

$$\Rightarrow Y=800+4(M/P) +120r$$

But from the real money supply function, $$M=5,000$$. So, the LM equation is,

$$Y=800+20,000/P +120r$$

## Generating the Aggregate Demand Curve

The IS-LM model studies the short run with fixed prices. This model combines to form the aggregate demand curve which is negatively sloped; hence when prices are high, demand is lower. Therefore, each point on the aggregate demand curve is an outcome of this model.

Aggregate demand occurs at the point where the IS and LM curves intersect at a particular price. If some individual considers a price level that is higher, then the real supply of money will definitely be lower. As a result, the LM curve will shift higher. Furthermore, the aggregate demand will be lower.

## Question

An increase in which of the following factors most likely leads to a leftward shift in the aggregate demand curve?

A. Stock prices

C. Taxes

Solution

Option A is incorrect. When stock prices increase, the aggregate demand increases due to an increase in consumption.

Option B is also incorrect. An increase in business confidence causes an increase in consumption.

However, an increase in taxes leads to lower consumption. This creates a leftward shift in the aggregate demand curve.

Explain the IS and LM curves and how they combine to generate the aggregate demand curve

Share:

#### Related Posts

##### Comparison among GDP, National Income, Personal Income, and Personal Disposable Income

GDP GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product. It refers to the market value...

##### Fiscal Policy

Fiscal policy involves the utilization of government spending and altering tax revenue to...