Microeconomic topics Consumer and producer surplus Demand Substitute goods Complements Economies of scale Elasticity Price elasticity of demand Cross elasticity of demand Income elasticity of demand Price elasticity of supply Market equilibrium Production possibility frontiers Positive and normative statements Opportunity cost Specialisation and division of labour Market failure Positive externalities – the benefit to a …
Definition of Bertrand Competition A market structure where it is assumed that there are two firms, who both assume the other firm will keep prices unchanged. Therefore, each firm has an incentive to cut prices, but this actually leads to a price war. If products are perfect substitutes this assumes the price will be driven …
Microeconomics is concerned with the economic decisions and actions of individuals and firms. Within the broad church of microeconomics, there are different theories that emphasise certain assumptions and expectations of economic behaviour. The most important theory is neo-classical theory, which places emphasis on free-markets and the assumption individuals are rational and seek to maximise utility. …
Definition of Monopoly A pure monopoly is defined as a single seller of a product, i.e. 100% of market share. In the UK a firm is said to have monopoly power if it has more than 25% of the market share. For example, Tesco @30% market share or Google 90% of search engine traffic. Monopoly …
Supernormal profit is all the excess profit a firm makes above the minimum return necessary to keep a firm in business. Supernormal profit is calculated by Total Revenue – Total Costs (where total cost includes all fixed and variable costs, plus minimum income necessary for the owner to be happy in that business.) Normal profit …
Perfect competition is a market structure where many firms offer a homogeneous product. Because there is freedom of entry and exit and perfect information, firms will make normal profits and prices will be kept low by competitive pressures. Features of perfect competition Many firms. Freedom of entry and exit; this will require low sunk costs. …
