Economics

Gross domestic product (GDP)

The market value of final goods and services produced within an economy over a period.

Plain-English context

Why it matters

Economic terms matter because rates, prices, growth and expectations can influence many assets at the same time.

EXAMPLE

A portfolio returning 7% while prices rise 3% has less purchasing-power growth than the nominal result suggests; gross domestic product (gdp) supplies part of that context.

COMMON MISTAKE

Assuming Gross domestic product (GDP) has one universal interpretation without checking the source, rules, timeframe or methodology.

Use current definitions. Product terms, tax treatment and market rules can change. Confirm important details with official disclosures, regulators and regulated providers.