The business or trade cycle relates to the volatility of economic growth, and the different periods the economy goes through (e.g. boom and bust). There are many different factors that cause the economic cycle – such as interest rates, confidence, the credit cycle and the multiplier effect. Some economists also point to supply side explanations, …
There are different forms of socialism but for this blog will use the form of democratic socialism advocated by Socialist parties in Western Europe. For example, Nordic countries where government spending is between 40-50% of GDP. This brand of socialism believes in: Redistribution of income and wealth through a progressive tax system and welfare state. …
Readers question: What are the functions of government in a capitalist economy? In summary, the economic functions of a government include: Protection of private property and maintaining law and order / national defence. Raising taxes. Providing public services not provided in a free market (e.g. health care, education, street lighting) Limit market failure through the …
The fundamental economic problem is one of scarcity. The basic questions of economics become: What to produce? How to produce? For whom to produce? You could also add When to produce? What to produce? Given limited resources of labour, raw materials and time, economic agents have to decide what to produce. Most primitive economies …
In the run-up to the 2016 referendum, Brexit supporting economist Professor Minford wrote: “Over time, if we left the EU [hard Brexit model], it seems likely that we would mostly eliminate manufacturing , leaving mainly industries such as design, marketing and hi-tech. But this shouldn’t scare us.”(Source) In 2012 Mr Minford said “It’s perfectly true …
Socialism is an economic and political ideology concerned with greater equality of distribution and proposing solutions which involve greater co-operation and social solutions. Socialism is often associated with the concept of state ownership of the means of production. The aim is to run industry in the interests of society rather than in the interests of …
Definition of Capital accumulation This is the process of acquiring additional capital stock which is used in the productive process. Capital accumulation can involve Investment in physical fixed capital (e.g. factories, machines) Portfolio investment – purchase of bonds, shares and cryptocurrencies Investment in assets, such as housing. Measuring capital accumulation Capital accumulation can be calculated …
Globalisation involves the increased integration and interdependence of the global economy. Since the 1960s, there has been an increased rate of globalisation, which has been characterised by rising trade, rising exports as % of GDP, greater movement of labour and capital, and an increased interdependence of the global economy. Globalisation has benefitted some countries more …