Asymmetric information problem

asymmetric-information

Definition of asymmetric information: This is a situation where there is imperfect knowledge. In particular, it occurs where one party has different information to another. A good example is when selling a car, the owner is likely to have full knowledge about its service history and its likelihood to break-down. The potential buyer, by contrast, …

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Complementary Goods

playstation-related-games

Complementary goods are products which are used together. Examples DVD player and DVD disks to play in it. Tennis balls and tennis rackets. Mobile phones and mobile phone credit for making calls. iPhone and Apps to use with an iPhone. Petrol and car. Complementary Goods and Cross Elasticity of Demand Complementary goods will have a …

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The impact of a falling exchange rate

effect-of-devaluation-flow

A look at the economic impact of a fall in the exchange rate (termed depreciation or devaluation)  A fall in the exchange rate is known as a depreciation in the exchange rate (or devaluation in a fixed exchange rate system). It means the currency is worth less compared to other countries. When there is a …

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What happens in a recession?

A recession is a period of negative economic growth. In a recession, we see falling real GDP, falling average incomes and rising unemployment. This graph shows US economic growth 2001-2016. The period 2008-09 shows the deep recession, where real GDP fell sharply. Other things we are likely to see in a recession 1. Unemployment The …

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Letter of 365 economists – did they really get it wrong?

economic growth 1981

The March 1981 UK budget was controversial. In a period of rising unemployment, recession and high inflation. The government pursued deflationary fiscal policy trying to reduce inflation. The chancellor increased taxes by a total of £4 billion, with the aim of reducing inflation and reducing the budget deficit. Tax measures included A new 20% tax …

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Horizontal and Vertical Equity Definition

horizontal-vertical-equity

An explanation of the difference between horizontal and vertical equity. Horizontal equity implies that we give the same treatment to people in an identical situation. E.g. if two people earn £15,000 they should both pay the same amount of income tax (e.g. £2,500). Horizontal equity makes sure we don’t have discrimination on the grounds such …

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Harrod-Domar Model of Growth and its Limitations

harrod-domar-flow

The Harrod Domar Model suggests that the rate of economic growth depends on two things: Level of Savings (higher savings enable higher investment) Capital-Output Ratio. A lower capital-output ratio means investment is more efficient and the growth rate will be higher. A simplified model of Harrod-Domar: Harrod-Domar in more detail Level of savings (s) = …

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Structural unemployment

Definition: Structural unemployment is caused by a mismatch of skills between the unemployed and available jobs. Structural unemployed is caused by changes in the economy, such as deindustrialisation, which leaves some unemployed workers unable to find work in new industries with different skill requirements. Structural unemployment occurs even during periods of strong economic growth. It …

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