Fixed Exchange Rates

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Definition of a Fixed Exchange Rate: This occurs when the government seeks to keep the value of a currency fixed against another currency. e.g. the value of the Pound Sterling fixed against the Euro at £1 = €1.1 Semi-Fixed Exchange Rate. This occurs when the government seeks to keep the value of a currency between …

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Falling US Tariff Rates 2013

Graph showing falling import tariff rates in the US. Figures for 2011 includes estimates for tariff rates up to 2011. The key part of this years report is the fact that import tariff barriers have fallen considerably, meaning potential welfare gains of reducing import tariffs have fallen. US has one of lowest tariff rates, but …

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When, if ever, should a govt intervene to prevent a merger or takeover?

A merger will lead to a bigger firm and a greater market concentration. This can have both advantages and disadvantages for the public interest. A merger is likely to reduce competition and give the new firm more market power. Therefore, it will be able to increase prices leading to a decline in consumer surplus and …

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Should Government Cut all Taxes?

Readers Question: What the benefits and the negative effects of reducing all taxes? I wrote an Essay on the advantages and disadvantages of tax cuts The idea of cutting all taxes is key element of libertarian politics. Cutting taxes is often a mantra repeated by conservative parties, although in practice, they usually find it more …

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Buying vs Renting a House

First time buyers have seen Mortgage payments as a share of income rise significantly in the past 2 years, increasing the cost of buying a house. However, the private rented market has been even more problematic.  In the past four years, rents have risen 20%, pushing tenants to spend a higher share of income on …

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Profit-push inflation

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Profit-push inflation is when firms use their market power to put up prices, contributing towards inflation. It is a form of cost-push inflation. Profit-push inflation is sometimes known as ‘greed inflation’ and is related to price gouging. Profit push inflation is not the primary cause of inflation, but it can accelerate existing inflationary pressures. Profit-push …

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