Class 12 Macro Economics Notes · CBSE

Saving-Investment Approach

Saving-Investment Approach — understand how equilibrium is reached through the equality of saving and investment with real-life examples. CBSE Class 12 Macroeconomics notes.

Last updated: 16 Aug 2026

Notes

S-I Equilibrium Condition

Equilibrium Condition

Saving-Investment Equality

S=IS = I

The equilibrium level of income is determined where planned saving equals planned investment.

Key features of the S-I diagram

  • Investment curve (I) is parallel to the X-axis (autonomous investment)
  • Saving curve (S) slopes upward (saving rises with income)
  • Equilibrium at intersection point E

S-I Equilibrium Schedule

Equilibrium at Y = 400 where S = I = 40 crores.
Income (Y)Consumption (C)Saving (S)Investment (I)Remarks
040-4040S < I
100120-2040S < I
200200040S < I
3002802040S < I
4003604040Equilibrium (S=I)
5004406040S > I
6005208040S > I

Diagrammatic Representation

Saving-Investment Equilibrium

-50050100S and I (₹ crores)0100200300400500600Income (₹ crores)EOY
I = 40
S

Key points

  • E is the equilibrium point where S and I curves intersect
  • At E: ex-ante saving = ex-ante investment
  • OY is the equilibrium output level
  • Equilibrium income = 400 crores where S = I = 40 crores

Adjustment Mechanisms

The economy adjusts toward equilibrium through inventory changes. Here are both adjustment directions:

When S > I (after equilibrium)

Households consume less and save more than firms expected
Unsold inventory rises above desired level
Firms reduce production → lower income until S = I

When S < I (before equilibrium)

Households consume more and save less than firms expected
Planned inventory falls below desired level
Firms increase production → higher income until S = I
Both adjustment mechanisms work simultaneously across different sectors of the economy, always pushing toward the point where S = I.