Macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole, including factors such as national income, output, employment, inflation, and trade balances. It analyzes the aggregate effects of individual economic actions. Microeconomics looks at individual decision-making, while macroeconomics examines economy-wide outcomes that emerge from individual choices. Macroeconomists use simplified models to make predictions and design policies to improve economic performance at a national level. The goals of macroeconomic policy include achieving full employment, price stability, economic growth, and reducing poverty.