Every day brings new reports and statistics on the economy, but most of us find it difficult to fit these indicators together to form a coherent picture. This book should help non-economists, whether journalists, managers, students, or investors, to do just that.

Nine chapters explain in straightforward terms the role of households, businesses, governments, and foreign interests in the economy, and how their economic activities are measured. The author clearly describes the 'how' and 'why' of monetary and fiscal policies, and their interactions. One chapter explains how wages and...