Food prices are typically fairly stable in a recession. If the recession is very deep and it leads to a period of deflation (fall in the general price level) then food prices may fall by a similar amount. US Deflation 1929-33 For example, in the great depression (1929-33), we saw a prolonged fall in prices. …
There are a few different reasons firms may put up prices, but in each case, a business will weigh up the pros and cons. Potential reasons for increasing prices An increase in costs of production. A general increase in the price level (inflation) Competitors are increasing the price. Firms believe demand has become more price …
Oil prices tend to be volatile for a few reasons. Demand varies with the economic cycle. Changes in the price of oil can be magnified by speculators who buy forward contracts Supply is quite inelastic in the short-term. Therefore, a small change in demand can have a significant impact on the price. Firms and consumers …
A fall in oil prices should cause a reduction in transport and fuel costs for firms. Consumers who will also benefit from the lower prices of transport and fuel. The lower oil prices will effectively increase their disposable income and enable them to spend more on other goods Because oil is the most traded commodity …
Price gouging is a situation where business take advantage of an external crisis to charge excessive prices for basic necessities – selling the goods significantly above their usual price. Many countries have laws against the practise of price gouging – to protect consumers against unfairly high prices during a national emergency. Example of price gouging …
Supply and demand illustrate the working of a market and the interaction between suppliers and consumers. Supply and demand curves determine the price and quantity of goods and services. Any changes in supply and demand will have an effect on the equilibrium price and quantity of the good sold. It will also affect the incentives …
To what extent does an increase in profit lead to an increase in economic welfare? In summary. Higher profit enables firms to invest in more research and development, leading to better products in the long-term. Higher profit also acts as a signal to other entrepreneurs to increase investment in that industry. However, others are concerned …
House prices fall where there is a decline in demand and/or excess supply. The main factors that cause a fall in house prices involve: Rising interest rates (making mortgage payments more expensive) Economic recession / high unemployment (reducing demand and causing home repossessions). Fall in bank lending and fall in availability of mortgages (making it …