Research Paper
In fall 2021, I took a writing-intensive class called The Nordic Countries -SCAN 150W, where I selected a research topic in my area of interest. I choose to write about the "Macroeconomic Condition of Sweden." To conduct my research and back up my findings, I gathered data from reliable sources. To do so, I have used statistical data published by the Swedish government and Central Bank. As a result, I could gather information about the country's import and export rates, GDP, interest rates, inflation, unemployment rate, and national income level. After analyzing and putting together all the data, I evaluated how Swedish macroeconomics was progressing. Precisely, I was able to see how the unemployment rate changed over the past couple of years, what goods were mainly imported/exported, how a change of interest rates impacted the businesses, etc. I received feedback on my paper from my professor, the Director of Scandinavian Studies at MNSU. Working with my professor helped me to add more details and sources to my research paper.
Research Experience
So what?
The research process helped me to interpret different economic indicators and data published by the Swedish government and bank. The rationale behind using these sources was their credibility and statistical/graphical summary. For example, I have looked at the graphs and trendlines that illustrate import and export changes over the past three years. Having balanced imports and exports that are continuously increasing is one of the variables that contribute towards economic growth. I have used the same method to analyze inflation, unemployment rate changes, and GDP. I learned how to analyze macroeconomic trends by combining publications and statistics and supporting my arguments with reliable sources by conducting this research paper.
Now what?
This knowledge will help me to create reports about macroeconomic performance down the road. It is valuable because I am a Finance major with an emphasis on Investments. I analyze the industry and sector performances before making an investment decision, so interpreting economic indicators is one of the criteria to make profitable investments.
