Earlier in the year, Sony reduced the price of its PlayStation VR bundle from $499 to $449, a significant 10% reduction in price. Given there is significant brand loyalty towards PlayStation (and inelastic demand), what are the possible economic reasons behind cutting the price? Complementary products One very strong reason is to make profit from …
The 1930s economy was marked by the effects of the great depression. After experiencing a decade of economic stagnation in the 1920s, the UK economy was further hit by the sharp global economic downturn in 1930-31. This lead to higher unemployment and widespread poverty. However, although the great depression caused significant levels of poverty and …
The oil price is determined by supply and demand side factors. Rising oil prices are indicative of rising demand and/or shortages of supply. The oil price is also affected by market speculation. Rising Demand Increasing demand will push up the price of oil. A short-term rise in demand could lead to a significant increase in …
A look at whether we actually need economic growth in a modern economy. Readers Question: When I compare my life with my fathers at that time the conditions are near identical in the greater things or life. I work the same hours, maybe more. I have the same holidays. I have a similar standard of …
Explanation of why government intervention to try and correct market failure may result in government failure. Summary Market failure is a socially inefficient allocation of resources in a free market. Market failure can occur for various reasons Externalities Demerit/merit goods Public goods Monopoly power Government failure occurs when government intervention results in a more inefficient …
An inferior good occurs when an increase in income causes a fall in demand. An inferior good has a negative income elasticity of demand. (YED) Inferior goods are characterised by low quality – and are goods with better alternatives. For example, if average incomes rise 10%, and demand for holidays in Blackpool falls 2%. The YED …
Definition of Ricardian equivalence This is the idea that consumers anticipate the future so if they receive a tax cut financed by government borrowing they anticipate future taxes will rise. Therefore, their lifetime income remains unchanged and so consumer spending remains unchanged. Similarly, higher government spending, financed by borrowing, will imply lower spending in the …
UK interest rates were last raised over a decade ago – July 2007, but it is widely expected that this week the MPC will vote to raise base interest rates from their current low of 0.25%. The logic for an interest rate rise is that – inflation (3%) is above the 2% target, fall in …