The general government's budget balance is the fiscal result recorded for a defined accounting period. It is positive when receipts exceed outlays and negative when outlays are greater than receipts. This indicator shows whether public finances generate a surplus or require additional resources, and its meaning depends on which government entities and transactions are covered.
Passende Formel
Source: European Central Bank (ECB) (source). This glossary entry is an independently worded adaptation of the cited information.