The great recession 2008-13

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The great recession refers to the economic downturn between 2008 and 2013. The recession began after the 2007/08 global credit crunch and led to a prolonged period of low/negative growth, rising unemployment and a period of fiscal austerity. In particular, the great recession highlighted problems within the Eurozone which experienced a double-dip recession and high …

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Micro-economics

Microeconomic topics Consumer and producer surplus Demand Substitute goods Complements Economies of scale Elasticity Price elasticity of demand Cross elasticity of demand Income elasticity of demand Price elasticity of supply Market equilibrium Production possibility frontiers Positive and normative statements Opportunity cost Specialisation and division of labour Market failure Positive externalities – the benefit to a …

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Government Intervention in Markets

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Governments intervene in markets to try and overcome market failure. The government may also seek to improve the distribution of resources (greater equality). The aims of government intervention in markets include Stabilise prices Provide producers/farmers with a minimum income To avoid excessive prices for goods with important social welfare Discourage demerit goods/encourage merit good Forms …

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Problems of Chinese Economic Growth

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Since 1978 the Chinese economy has maintained economic growth at an average of nearly 8%. By western standards this is remarkable. The UK, by contrast, has grown at an average rate of 2.5%. However, despite the impressive figures, there are many serious economic problems resulting from economic growth. Chinese GDP In particular, the growth rate …

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Common Agricultural Policy – Aims, Costs, Benefits

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is EU’s policy on agricultural. Stated Aims of CAP To Increase Productivity To Increase Farm’s incomes To Stabilize markets To assure the availability of supplies To ensure reasonable prices for consumers The most important is the second aim of increasing farm incomes Why Subsidise Agriculture? The declining income of farmers. With …

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Disequilibrium

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Disequilibrium occurs when the markets fail to clear and find their final equilibrium point. Disequilibrium could occur if the price was below the market equilibrium price causing demand to be greater than supply, and therefore causing a shortage. Disequilibrium can occur due to factors such as government controls, non-profit maximising decisions and ‘sticky’ prices. Disequilibrium …

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Role and Function of Price in Economy

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Readers Question: What is the role and function of price in the economy? The price of goods plays a crucial role in determining an efficient distribution of resources in a market system. Price acts as a signal for shortages and surpluses which help firms and consumers respond to changing market conditions. If a good is …

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Trade Barriers

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Definition: Trade barriers are government policies which place restrictions on international trade. Trade barriers can either make trade more difficult and expensive (tariff barriers) or prevent trade completely (e.g. trade embargo) Examples of Trade Barriers Tariff Barriers. These are taxes on certain imports. They raise the price of imported goods making imports less competitive. Non-Tariff …

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