Fiscal Deficit

    Macroeconomics

    The gap between government spending and its revenues, financed by borrowing. Expressed as a percentage of GDP in the Union Budget.

    Formula

    Fiscal Deficit = Total Expenditure - Total Receipts (excluding borrowings)

    Why it matters

    Larger deficits mean more government bond supply, which pressures yields upward and can crowd out private borrowing.

    Indian example

    Related terms

    Bond YieldRepo Rate