Prices and incomes policy is an attempt by the government to set the rate of increase in prices and the rate of wage increases in the economy. The government do not seek to control individual prices but control the general rate of increase in prices and incomes. Price and incomes policy may involve ‘voluntary’ agreements …
Speculation occurs when individuals make decisions about buying or selling depending on expectations of future price changes. For example, if prices are rising speculators may take this as a sign that prices will continue to rise, and therefore, they buy more. This speculation causes prices to continue to rise. An example is house prices, where …
The traditional theory of the firm is based on classical economics and the work of early economists, such as David Ricardo and Leon Walras. The basic assumptions of the traditional theory of the firm are Firms seek to maximise profits. Information symmetry. Owners and workers of the firm have access to good information which enables …
Collusion involves firms coming to an agreement to artificially raise prices and increase profitability at the expense of consumers. Collusion can lead to significant welfare loss and governments have sought to prevent it through a variety of policies, including: Fines for firms found guilty of collusion Fines and jail sentences for company executives who are …
A duopoly is a market structure dominated by two firms. A pure duopoly is a market where there are just two firms. But, in reality, most duopolies are markets where the two biggest firms control over 70% of the market share. Characteristics of duopoly Strong barriers to entry in the market, e.g. brand loyalty (Coca-cola …
Government intervene in labour markets to overcome market failure, protect workers health and safety and to reduce inequality. Government labour market regulations include. Maximum working weeks Statutory minimum wages Legislation to prohibit discrimination Protection against unfair dismissal. Health and safety legislation Right to join trade unions Legislation to auto-enroll workers in private pensions Regulations about …
Definition: Marginal revenue (MR) is the additional revenue gained from selling one extra unit in a period of time. Marginal revenue (MR) = Δ TR/Δ Q If a firm sells an extra 50 units and sees an increase in revenue of £200. Then the marginal revenue of each extra unit sold is £4 Example of …
Capital controls are government measures to limit the flow of financial capital and financial assets. Capital controls include limits on foreign currency exchange, limits on the purchase of assets and taxes on financial transfers. Some economists argue that capital controls can help limit destabilising capital flows which cause banking crisis and economic booms and busts. …