The biggest absolute emissions of CO2 come from China and the United States. Source: World Bank CO2 emissions (kt) In recent years, China has accelerated past the United States and is the biggest polluter in absolute terms, (which is unsurprising given China’s population and fast economic growth. India is also catching up.) Biggest CO2 Polluters …
Investment is expenditure on capital goods – for example, new machines, offices, new technology. Investment is a component of Aggregate Demand (AD) and also influences the capital stock and productive capacity of the economy (long-run aggregate supply) Summary – Investment levels are influenced by: Interest rates (the cost of borrowing) Economic growth (changes in demand) Confidence/expectations …
Readers Question: Identify and explain economic variables that may be affected positively by the economic slowdown. A recession is a period of negative economic growth. It is a period of higher unemployment, falling wages and higher government borrowing. It generally causes economic costs But does anyone benefit from a recession? Some people who may do …
The wage-price spiral refers to the strong mutual link and between wage growth and inflation. Rising wages invariably put upward pressure on prices and inflation. High inflation creates upward pressure on wages as workers seek to gain an increase in wages to meet the rising prices and maintain living standards. Thus a wage-price spiral can …
The Coronavirus has already led to disruption in manufacturing output, foreign travel and consumer demand. If the virus spreads and becomes a pandemic, what will be the likely economic effects? In short, a global pandemic will have a serious supply-side impact – especially on foreign travel, manufacturing and investment. The uncertainty and decline in travel …
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 …
Degrowth is a political and economic theory which emphasises changing priorities of society from economic growth and production to a society based on sustainability, well-being, concern for environment and co-operation. The motives for pursuing degrowth include the need to provide environmental sustainability for the long-term and improve quality of life. Critics argue degrowth is a …
Economies face many events that cause firms and consumers to adjust their behaviour. New technology, demand-side shock, supply-side shock all cause a change in the priorities of the economy. In theory, the price mechanism will lead to a smooth reallocation of resources as capital and labour are deployed from unproductive areas to new areas. Some …