Cash surplus/deficit (% of GDP) for Canada

CASHBLCAA188A • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

2.20

Year-over-Year Change

-96.48%

Date Range

1/1/1990 - 1/1/2014

Summary

The cash surplus/deficit as a percentage of GDP for Canada measures the difference between the government's cash receipts and its cash payments. This trend is a key indicator of the government's fiscal position and ability to manage its finances.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The cash surplus/deficit as a percentage of GDP represents the government's net cash flow. A surplus indicates the government is generating more cash than it is spending, while a deficit signals the opposite. This metric is widely used by economists and policymakers to assess the sustainability of a country's fiscal policies.

Methodology

The data is collected by Statistics Canada and calculated as the ratio of the government's net cash flow to the country's total GDP.

Historical Context

Governments and central banks closely monitor this indicator to inform fiscal and monetary policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Canada's cash deficit was 5.4% of GDP in 2020.
  • The deficit has averaged 0.5% of GDP over the past decade.
  • A larger deficit can signal the need for fiscal consolidation.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The cash surplus/deficit as a percentage of GDP measures the difference between the Canadian government's cash receipts and cash payments, reflecting its overall fiscal position.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric is a key indicator of the government's ability to manage its finances and the sustainability of its fiscal policies, making it highly relevant for economists, policymakers, and market analysts.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected by Statistics Canada and calculated as the ratio of the government's net cash flow to the country's total GDP.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Governments and central banks closely monitor this indicator to inform fiscal and monetary policy decisions, as it reflects the government's overall financial position and ability to fund its activities.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is typically updated quarterly by Statistics Canada, with a short delay. There may be revisions to historical data as more complete information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Cash surplus/deficit (% of GDP) for Canada (CASHBLCAA188A), retrieved from FRED.