Definition – A maximum price occurs when a government sets a legal limit on the price of a good or service – with the aim of reducing prices below the market equilibrium price. For example, the government may set a maximum price of bread of £1 – or a maximum price of a weekly rent …
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 …
This decision tree is a simple example of game theory for firms deciding whether to enter the market and how existing firms should respond. If firm A (new firm) does not enter the market it makes £0 profit and the incumbent firm, firm B makes £3 profit. However, if Firm A does enter the market, …
A look at different pricing strategies a firm may use to try and increase profitability, market share and gain greater brand loyalty. Types of pricing strategies General strategies Profit maximisation. One strategy is to ignore market share and try to work out the price for profit maximisation. In theory, this occurs at a price where …
Speculation occurs when individuals make decisions about buying or selling depending on expectations of future price changes. For example, if prices are rising speculators may take this as a sign that prices will continue to rise, and therefore, they buy more. This speculation causes prices to continue to rise. An example is house prices, where …
The government may wish to regulate monopolies to protect the interests of consumers. For example, monopolies have the market power to set prices higher than in competitive markets. The government can regulate monopolies through: Price capping – limiting price increases Regulation of mergers Breaking up monopolies Investigations into cartels and unfair practises Nationalisation – government …
New trade theory (NTT) suggests that a critical factor in determining international patterns of trade are the very substantial economies of scale and network effects that can occur in key industries. These economies of scale and network effects can be so significant that they outweigh the more traditional theory of comparative advantage. In some industries, …
The polluter pays principle (PPP) is a basic economic idea that firms or consumers should pay for the cost of the negative externality they create. The polluter pays principle usually refers to environmental costs, but it could be extended to any external cost. In a purely free market, you would only face your private costs. …