Define macro environment

A macro environment is the condition that exists in the economy as a whole, rather than in a particular sector or region. In general, the macro environment includes trends in the gross domestic product (GDP), inflation rate, employment rate, spending, and monetary and fiscal policy. The macro-environment is linked to the general business cycle as opposed to the performance of an individual business sector in an economy.

Explanation:

The macro-environment refers to how the macroeconomic conditions in which a company or sector operates influences its performance. Macroeconomics deals with aggregate production, spending, and the price level in an economy as opposed to individual industries and markets.

The amount of the macro environment's influence depends on how much of a company's business is dependent on the health of the overall economy. Cyclical industries are heavily influenced by the macro environment, while basic staple industries are less influenced. Industries that are highly dependent on credit to finance purchases and business investments are strongly influenced by changes in interest rates and global financial markets.

The macro-environment can also directly affect consumers' ability and willingness to spend. Luxury goods industries and big-ticket consumer goods can be highly impacted by fluctuations in consumer spending. Consumers' reactions to the broad macro-environment are closely monitored by businesses and economists as a gauge for an economy's health.