A bank is a financial institution which is involved in borrowing and lending money. Banks take customer deposits in return for paying customers an annual interest payment. The bank then uses the majority of these deposits to lend to other customers for a variety of loans. The difference between the two interest rates is effectively …
Externalities occur when producing or consuming a good cause an impact on third parties not directly related to the transaction. Externalities can either be positive or negative. They can also occur from production or consumption. For example, just driving into a city centre, will cause external costs of more pollution and congestion to those living …
A ‘no deal Brexit’ would involve a departure from the EU, the single market and the EU Customs union. Brexiteers have suggested the UK would adopt WTO rules for trade. This means, in the absence of any trade deal, it would lead to higher export tariffs and trade disruption from non-tariff barriers – the WTO …
In the nineteenth century, the UK was characterised by high levels of income inequality. However, from the start of the twentieth century until 1978, there was a steady fall in inequality and reduction in poverty (both relative and absolute). However, the 1980s saw a sharp rise in inequality which has not been reversed in the …
Global economic imbalances refer to an unfair distribution of resources between different countries or it may refer to a one-sided trade situation. Global economic imbalances include Balance of Payments. Unbalanced trade between different economies, e.g. US trade deficit with China Unemployment levels, e.g. high unemployment in southern Europe versus low unemployment in US, UK. Poverty …
Taxation on goods, income or wealth influence economic behaviour and the distribution of resources. For example, higher taxes on carbon emissions will increase cost for producers, reduce demand and shift demand towards alternatives. Higher income tax can enable a redistribution of income within society, but may have an impact on reducing the incentives to work …
Definition of the underground economy. The underground economy involves economic transactions not measured by government statistics and ignoring government regulations and laws. It includes Illegal criminal activity Non-market activity – e.g. growing your own vegetables Legal activity which is hidden from authorities (e.g. to avoid paying tax) The underground economy may also be referred to …