What is the primary sector? The primary sector is concerned with the extraction of raw materials. It includes fishing, farming and mining. In less developed economies, the primary sector will comprise the biggest part of the economy. Typically as an economy develops, increased labour productivity will enable workers to leave the agricultural sector and move …
Readers Question: In 2008, did banks lend money to people who wanted to buy a house because they believed that the value of the housing market would keep rising? So even if people defaulted on their loan repayments then the banks could reposes the house as it was used as collateral. As the value of …
A look at how a Central Bank may act as lender of last resort to commercial banks and the government. A lender of last resort means if banks or the government are short of funds, the Central Bank will step into prevent illiquidity. This helps to maintain confidence in the banking sector. Lender of last …
A merger occurs when two firms join together to form one. The new firm will have an increased market share, which helps the firm gain economies of scale and become more profitable. The merger will also reduce competition and could lead to higher prices for consumers. The main benefit of mergers to the public are: …
Readers Question: Why is debt related to GDP? Debt to GDP shows how significant the debt is relative to the size of the economy. This is important because it affects The size of debt compared to tax revenues. For example in 2018, the gross level of US public debt was $21 trillion. But, with a …
Globalisation involves the increased integration and interdependence of the global economy. Since the 1960s, there has been an increased rate of globalisation, which has been characterised by rising trade, rising exports as % of GDP, greater movement of labour and capital, and an increased interdependence of the global economy. Globalisation has benefitted some countries more …
The network effect occurs when a good or service becomes more valuable as more people use it. Network effect explained If you own a telephone, but no one else does, the good is of no value. As more people join the telephone network, the more valuable the telephone becomes to yourself. If you buy a …
The rust belt is an area of mid-west US dominated by declining manufacturing industry. Cities and regions affected tend to have: High unemployment Declining populations Falling real incomes Social problems associated with structural unemployment. Although the rust belt refers mostly to the mid-west of the US, it can refer to any area which experienced a …