Definition: Law of diminishing marginal returns At a certain point, employing an additional factor of production causes a relatively smaller increase in output. Diminishing returns occur in the short run when one factor is fixed (e.g. capital) If the variable factor of production is increased (e.g. labour), there comes a point where it will become …
Investment is expenditure on capital goods – for example, new machines, offices, new technology. Investment is a component of Aggregate Demand (AD) and also influences the capital stock and productive capacity of the economy (long-run aggregate supply) Summary – Investment levels are influenced by: Interest rates (the cost of borrowing) Economic growth (changes in demand) Confidence/expectations …
The broken window fallacy states that if money is spent on repairing the damage, it is a mistake to think this represents an increase in economic output and economic welfare. If money is spent on repairing a broken window, the opportunity cost is that individuals cannot spend money on more productive goods. The broken window …
Readers Question: Evaluate the significance of the factors which have contributed to globalisation. Globalisation is not a new phenomenon. The world economy has become increasingly interdependent for a long time. However, in recent decades the process of globalisation has accelerated; this is due to a variety of factors, but important ones include improved trade, increased …
The most common method for measuring living standards is using GDP per capita. This is national income divided by population and gives a rough guide to average incomes. High real GDP per capita indicates citizens are able to purchase more goods and services. World Map of GDP per Capita GDP per Capita. Source: Source: IMF …
The fundamental economic problem is the issue of scarcity but unlimited wants. Scarcity implies there is only a limited quantity of resources, e.g. finite fossil fuels. Because of scarcity, there is a constant opportunity cost – if you use resources to consume one good, you cannot consume another. Therefore, an underlying feature of economics is …
Readers Question I am confused by the statement that is written in my O level text book (Economics Author: Dan Moynihan; Brian Titley). It says that if the current account is in surplus the financial account will be in deficit. Is this true? Yes, it is true Firstly, the current account on balance of payments …
Readers Question: Identify and explain economic variables that may be affected positively by the economic slowdown. A recession is a period of negative economic growth. It is a period of higher unemployment, falling wages and higher government borrowing. It generally causes economic costs But does anyone benefit from a recession? Some people who may do …