Flows refer to economic variables that are measured over a period of time. For example, income or expenditure represents flows because they are measured over a specific time period, such as a month, quarter, or year. Flows capture the movement of resources or economic activities within a time frame.
In contrast, stocks are economic variables that are defined at a particular point in time. For instance, wealth, capital stock, and debt are all stock variables, as they represent quantities at a specific moment, without considering the time period over which they were accumulated.
Gross Value Added (GVA) at market prices represents the total value of goods and services produced in an economy, excluding the costs of intermediate goods. It is calculated by adding up the value added in each sector of the economy. Additionally, GVA at market prices includes indirect taxes (such as VAT or excise taxes) and subtracts subsidies provided by the government. The formula for GVA at market prices is:
GVA = GVA at factor cost + Indirect taxes - Subsidies