Financial Instability Hypothesis

minsky-moment

The hypothesis of financial instability was developed by the economist Hyman Minksy.  He argued that financial crisis are endemic in capitalism because periods of economic prosperity encouraged borrowers and lender to be progressively reckless. This excess optimism creates financial bubbles and the later busts. Therefore, capitalism is prone to move from periods of financial stability …

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Balanced Growth

Definition of balanced growth: Balanced growth refers to a specific type of economic growth that is sustainable in the long term. It is sustainable in terms of low inflation, the environment and balance between different sectors of the economy such as exports and retail spending.  Balanced growth is the opposite of volatile boom and bust economic …

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Portugal Economic Crisis

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Between 2009-16 the Portugal economic experienced a severe economic crisis – characterised by falling GDP, high unemployment, rising government debt and high bond yields. This was caused by a combination of the global recession, lack of competitiveness and limitations of being in the Euro. What caused the Portuguese economic crisis? In the period Q4 2o10 …

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International Competitiveness

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International competitiveness measures the relative cost and value of a countries exports. For example, if UK goods and services become more expensive than its competitors, then the UK would see a decline in its international competitiveness. International competitiveness is determined by Short-run factors – inflation and exchange rate Long-run factors – Education, health-care, institutions, levels …

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UK Recession of 1991-92

The UK recession of 1991 was primarily caused by high-interest rates, falling house prices and an overvalued exchange rate. Membership of the Exchange Rate Mechanism (1990-1992) was a key factor in keeping interest rates higher than desirable. The recession also came after the late 1980s economic boom – a period of high economic growth and …

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Deindustrialization

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Definition of deindustrialization Deindustrialisation involves a decrease in the relative size and importance of the industrial sector in an economy. It may involve a decrease in the absolute size of industry or it might just mean that manufacturing/industry takes a smaller share of GDP and employs a smaller % of the workforce. Deindustrialisation will invariably …

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Balance of Trade

Definition trade balance: The balance of trade measures the net exports of goods and services (NX). It is the value of exports – the value of imports. It forms the major component of the current account, although it ignores international investment flows and current transfers. The balance of trade refers to both trade in goods (visibles) …

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Economic Booms

Definition of an economic boom A boom is a period of rapid economic expansion resulting in higher GDP, lower unemployment, a higher inflation rate and rising asset prices. Booms usually suggest the economy is overheating creating a positive output gap and inflationary pressures. A boom suggests the economy is growing at a faster rate than …

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