Evolutionary economics is a branch of economics which views the economy through a dynamic model of constant change, adaptation, chaos and revival. Evolutionary economics was coined by radical economist Thorstein Veblen (1857-1929). Veblen was interested in psychological factors that often gave better explanations for economic behaviour than traditional rational choice theory. For example, Veblen noted …
A look at the different factors affecting the price of oil in both short term and long.
Readers Question: I’m trying to update myself on what’s happening with oil prices at the moment (partly to prepare myself for uni interviews) but I’m finding very conflicting articles, such as:
Oil drops below $96 on Italian debt fears at Washington Post
Oil nears $96 on Italian debt fears at NPC
Could you possibly explain to me what’s really going on?
It’s an interesting question, and in a way, all three articles are sound economics. It is possible to have conflicting predictions for oil prices. Perhaps the easiest explanation is to consider both short term and long term factors.
Oil Prices Since 1987
Oil Prices – volatile
Between Jan 1999 and Jan 2008, oil price rose from under $20 a barrel to over $130. However, during this long term price rise, there were still periods where oil prices fell.
The political map of the US increasingly represents a divided America, and this political divide has roots in an increasing economic divide. In brief – rural areas tend to have lower average incomes (though also cheaper rent) higher rates of unemployment, declining population, reliance on one major employer and more concentrated on the primary sector …
Readers Question: Evaluate the arguments for and against the view that major sports events are good for the economy?
Major sports events such as the World Cup and the Olympics are often seen as a potential source of economic regeneration. Yet, many are worried about the economic costs of hosting a major sporting event that only lasts for three weeks. These are some of the economic benefits and potential costs of the Olympics and other major sporting events.
Economic benefits of the Olympics
1. Encourages investment in transport and infrastructure
Major sporting events usually require upgrades to transport and communication links. This investment leaves a lasting legacy for the whole economy. Better transport links reduce congestion and help to improve efficiency for local business. It can help increase the productive capacity of the economy (shifting aggregate supply to the right). For example, for the London Olympics in 2012, we have seen new rail links created in East London, and improvements to existing underground and overground train services (London Olympic rail networks)
2. Influx of foreign visitors
A major sporting event like the Olympics can attract thousands of people for the duration of the games. These foreign tourists bring a boost to the local economy. In particular the local tourist trade, shops/hotels will benefit from the surge in visitor numbers. However, it is worth noting that these visitor numbers tend to be temporary. The major sporting event only lasts for a few weeks; potentially there could be many empty hotel beds in the future. On the other hand, people argue a major sporting event can lead to a long-term growth in visitor numbers. e.g. China felt the Beijing Olympics created a feeling that China could be a popular tourist destination. Barcelona saw higher visitor numbers continue after the Barcelona Olympics of 1992.
3. Job creation
Typically, major sporting events require investment in building stadium and hotels. This creates jobs for the local economy for up to 4 years before the event. These extra jobs help create a positive multiplier effect within the local economy. It is hoped that the London Olympics will help regenerate the east end of London. Some argue this temporary job boost can prove more permanent if the economic regeneration continues after the games.
4. Higher economic growth
It is estimated that the ‘Olympics Effect’ leads to a boost in economic growth due to the higher investment and foreign visitors. This leads to higher tax revenues for the government
Readers Question: Is a strong economy generally accompanied by a strong currency? In short, a strong economy is generally characterised by a strong currency. When the economy is doing well, and at a boom period of the economic cycle it implies higher interest rates to keep inflation low. These higher interest rates will attract hot …
Readers Question: In the U.S. I have noticed that most restaurants and fast food places have window signs advertising for workers. Would these minimum wage workers, as a collective, be considered a monopsony or a monopoly? To answer your question, these minimum wage workers would be considered neither a monopoly or monopsony. The fact that …
Readers Question: Why is debt related to GDP? Debt to GDP shows how significant the debt is relative to the size of the economy. This is important because it affects The size of debt compared to tax revenues. For example in 2018, the gross level of US public debt was $21 trillion. But, with a …
Readers Question: how to evaluate the reliability of economic data? This is a good question. In brief, some issues to consider Is there a political angle? – Political leanings of media/think tank In what context is the data presented? How to interpret the data. Should we look at nominal data, real data or as a …
