Economic growth means an increase in national income/national output. If we have a slower rate of economic growth – living standards will increase at a slower rate. For example, in the post-war period, western economies grew at 2.5% to 4.% per year. However, since the early 2000s, growth rates have slowed down. This process of …
An explanation of how the rate of interest influences the level of investment in the economy. Typically, higher interest rates reduce investment, because higher rates increase the cost of borrowing and require investment to have a higher rate of return to be profitable. Private investment is an increase in the capital stock such as buying …
Definition: The environmental Kuznets curve suggests that economic development initially leads to a deterioration in the environment, but after a certain level of economic growth, a society begins to improve its relationship with the environment and levels of environmental degradation reduces. From a very simplistic viewpoint, it can suggest that economic growth is good for …
Monopolies are generally considered to have several disadvantages (higher price, fewer incentives to be efficient e.t.c). However, monopolies can also give benefits, such as – economies of scale, (lower average costs) and a greater ability to fund research and development. In certain circumstances, the advantages of monopolies can outweigh their costs. Advantages of Monopoly Research …
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 …
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) = …
Free trade means that countries can import and export goods without any tariff barriers or other non-tariff barriers to trade. Essentially, free trade enables lower prices for consumers, increased exports, benefits from economies of scale and a greater choice of goods. In more detail, the benefits of free trade include: 1. The theory of comparative …
Taxes on negative externalities are intended to make consumers/producers pay the full social cost of the good. This reduces consumption and creates a more socially efficient outcome. If a good has a negative externality, without a tax, there will be over-consumption (Q1 where D=S) because people ignore the external costs. 1. Diagram – Taxes on …