What is fiscal policy primarily concerned with?

Fiscal policy is primarily concerned with tax policies that influence the economy. This involves the government's use of taxation and spending to influence economic conditions. By changing tax rates and adjusting government spending, policymakers can impact overall economic activity, stimulating growth during downturns or cooling the economy when it is overheating.

For example, lowering taxes can increase disposable income for individuals and businesses, leading to higher consumer spending and investment. Conversely, raising taxes can help reduce inflationary pressures but may also slow economic growth. This direct manipulation of fiscal instruments to achieve economic goals—such as controlling inflation, promoting employment, or fostering economic growth—is the core of fiscal policy.

Other options, while relevant to economic policy, do not accurately capture the essence of fiscal policy. Regulating the stock market generally falls under the purview of financial regulation, while setting interest rates is the function of monetary policy. Managing the federal budget is related but broader, as it encompasses both revenue (taxes) and expenditure (spending) decisions.