Encyclonomic WEB*pedia: CHANGE IN AGGREGATE DEMAND

CHANGE IN AGGREGATE DEMAND:
A shift of the aggregate demand curve caused by a change in one of the aggregate demand determinants. A change in aggregate demand is caused by any factor affecting aggregate demand EXCEPT the price level. This is one of two changes related to aggregate demand. The other is a change in aggregate expenditures. A change in aggregate demand is comparable to a change in market demand.
A change in aggregate demand is a shift in the aggregate demand curve. Because aggregate demand includes ALL price level-aggregate expenditure combinations, a change in aggregate demand is a change in ALL price level-aggregate expenditure combinations, meaning that each price level is matched up with a different aggregate expenditure after the change. This is illustrated as a shift of the aggregate demand curve. This change in aggregate demand is caused by a change in any of the aggregate demand determinants.
In contrast, a change in aggregate expenditures is a change from one price level-aggregate expenditure combination on a given aggregate demand curve to another point on the same curve. This is illustrated as a movement along a given aggregate demand curve.
Change in Aggregate Demand

This exhibit to the right displays a standard aggregate demand curve. Two buttons are displayed beneath this graph. One, labeled [Determinant], demonstrates a determinant-driven change in aggregate demand. For comparison purposes, the other, labeled [Price Level], illustrates a price level-induced change in aggregate expenditures.
A click of the [Determinant] button triggers a shift of the aggregate demand curve, in particular, a rightward shift representing an increase in aggregate demand. A click of the [Price Level] button triggers a movement along the aggregate demand curve.
Why is this difference so important? The answer is as simple as cause and effect. The aggregate demand curve is used (together with the long-run and short-run aggregate supply curves) to explain and analyze macroeconomic events, especially business-cycle instability. The sequence of events follows a particular pattern.
First, a determinant (of either aggregate demand or aggregate supply) changes.

Second, this determinant change causes the aggregate demand curve or one of the aggregate supply curves to shift. An aggregate demand determinant change causes a shift of the aggregate demand curve and an aggregate supply determinant change causes a shift in one of the aggregate supply curves.

Third, the change in aggregate demand or aggregate supply causes an imbalance in the aggregate market (an economy-wide shortage or surplus). The aggregate market is in a temporary state of disequilibrium.

Fourth, the economy-wide shortage or surplus causes the price level to change.

Fifth, the change in the price level causes a change in aggregate expenditures and possibly real production.

Sixth, the changes in aggregate expenditures and/or real production eliminate the shortage or surplus and restore equilibrium.
The key conclusion is that aggregate demand (and aggregate supply) determinants, which induce changes in aggregate demand (and aggregate supply), are the source of instability in the aggregate market. The change in the price level, which induces a change in aggregate expenditures (and real production) is the means of eliminating the instability and restoring equilibrium.
Check Out These Related Terms...
     | change in aggregate expenditures | aggregate demand shifts | change in aggregate supply | change in real production | slope, aggregate demand curve |
Or For A Little Background...
     | aggregate demand | aggregate expenditures | aggregate demand and market demand | price level | real production | demand | market demand | change in demand | change in quantity demanded |
And For Further Study...
     | interest rate, aggregate demand determinant | federal deficit, aggregate demand determinant | inflationary expectations, aggregate demand determinant | money supply, aggregate demand determinant | consumer confidence, aggregate demand determinant | exchange rates, aggregate demand determinant | physical wealth, aggregate demand determinant | financial wealth, aggregate demand determinant | aggregate supply determinants | AS-AD model |
Recommended Citation:
     CHANGE IN AGGREGATE DEMAND, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, http://www.AmosWEB.com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2025. [Accessed: December 15, 2025].