Long-term economic forecasting can be very difficult. A well known joke by John Kenneth Galbraith is: “The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable.” However, although there is some truth in this wisecrack, in the short term, we can be reasonably confident about predictions for inflation. In particular, if we see …
Agriculture often appears to be one of the most difficult industries, frequently leading to some form of market failure. In the EU and US, agriculture is the most heavily subsidised industry, yet despite the cost of the subsidy it fails to address many issues relating to agriculture. Types of market failure in agriculture Volatile Prices …
Readers’ Question: Why does the cost of living keep rising? [See updated page Cost of living crisis 2022] This is due to inflation – the persistent increase in the average price level. In modern economies, inflation is a common feature. In fact, most Central Banks target a low rate of inflation of 2%. Central banks …
Readers Question: What is the main purpose of foreign reserves? Who decides what amount to be kept as reserve and how this reserve is financed? Could be please explain in detail? Definition of: Foreign Currency Reserves (Forex Reserves). This is the amount of foreign currency reserves that are held by the Central Bank of a …
Readers Question: Why do monopolies occur in industries with substantial economies of scale? Question: As a result of large-scale production, the long-run average cost of production falls. This means that a monopoly can emerge in time naturally because of the relationship between average cost and the scale of an operation (Why? I don’t understand) The …
Foreign or external debt represents the amount a country (both public and private sector) owe to other countries. Foreign debt can involve: Outstanding loans to foreign private banks (both principal and outstanding interest) Due payments to international organisations like the IMF Outstanding payments for a current account deficit, with country owing money for imports Debt …
There was a time when joining the Euro was a big issue, frequently debated in the UK. With Brexit referendum, it has become almost irrelevant. However, if leaving the EU proves disastrous and public opinions changes – rejoining the EU, may well involve signing up to the Euro – as new members may not get …
The market supply curve shows the combined quantity supplied of goods at different prices. The market supply curve is the horizontal sum of all individual supply curves. Linear Supply curve A linear supply curve can be plotted using a simple equation P = a + bS a = plots the starting point of the supply …