A trade deficit occurs when the value of imports of goods and services is greater than the value of exports. For example, in 2016 the US exports totalled US$ 1,450,457 million. Imports totalled US$ 2,248,209 million. (WITS) Source: Trade balance at St Louis Fed. Since 1990, the US has run a persistent trade deficit. The …
Neoliberalism is a term commonly used to describe free-market economics. Neoliberalism involves policies associated with free trade, privatisation, price deregulation, a reduced size of government and flexible labour markets. Recently, neoliberalism has been associated with the policies of austerity and attempts to reduce budget deficits – usually by cutting government spending on social programmes. Neo-liberalism …
Concentration ratio refers to the market share of the largest firms in an industry. For example, a five-firm concentration ratio of 65% means that the five largest firms have more 65% of market sales. If the concentration ratio increased, then one or two firms may start to dominate the market and the firms will be …
Although controversial, what are the potential advantages of privatising public services? Firstly, privatising means outsourcing of public services to the private sector. For example, this might include Competitive tendering – where private companies are allowed to bid for the right to provide meals for hospitals. NHS outsourcing treatment to private hospitals. To deal with waiting …
A few selected AS macroeconomic essay questions – with suggested answers. Q.1 Evaluate policies that the government can use to increase the rate of economic growth. Q.2 Discuss the importance of supply-side policies in improving the performance of the UK economy? Q.3 Explain Causes of Inflation Q.4 Explain the reasons for the changes in unemployment in …
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a European policy which involved: Setting minimum prices for many agricultural products Setting import tariffs to protect from cheap imports EU purchases of surplus food to maintain minimum prices Since 2005, farmers have been subsidised through Single Farm payments (SFP) and rural development funds The impact of minimum prices …
Definition The Balance of Payments shows a countries transactions with the rest of the world. It notes inflows and outflows of money and categorises them into different sections. The two sections of the Balance of Payments are: Current Account. – Trade in goods/services/investment incomes/transfers) Financial (Capital) account. – Foreign direct investment, capital flows, portfolio investment Balance …
Definition of Buffer Stock Scheme A buffer stock scheme is a government plan to stabilise prices in volatile markets. This requires intervention in buying and selling. Prices for agricultural products are often volatile because: Supply can vary due to the weather. Demand is inelastic Supply is fixed in the short term See: Why are prices …