This text offers business managers and business school students an excellent practical explanation of the short-term linkages that impact the performance of the overall economy. While the underlying theoretical constructs are not ignored, emphasis is placed on the empirical underpinnings and managerial implications of macroeconomics. The text begins by introducing key concepts such as the GDP, National and Personal Income, and the various measures of inflation and unemployment. Building on this foundation it then analyzes the following aspects of macroeconomics: aggregate supply and demand, international financial markets, cyclical fluctuations, policy analysis, and forecasting.Engaging the reader through many features, the text includes detailed case studies and "Manager's Briefcase" discussions, which provide practical applications of macroeconomic concepts to real-world situations. Additionally, each chapter ends with a list of key concepts, a chapter summary, and practice questions. Its short-term, empirically oriented approach makes this text a distinctive and practical resource for better understanding macroeconomics.