IB Econ HL Section B

This article addresses U.S. consumer spending, an idea that is studied under the Keynesian theory. In the short-run, consumer spending decreased, but it has now begun to increase once again. This demonstrates the idea that we live in the short run. As the article shows, spending is something that fluctuates regularly.

This article gives an example of oligopoly in the farming market, it also provides a definition of oligopoly.

This is about the potential dangers of foreign aid. Donors to Mali are insisting that the cotton industry be privatized. However, this poses a thread to the economy.

This artical explains that Norway is going thorough an economic downfall and so what the government is doing, is highering people to first, lower the unemployment rates an This is also a powerful political broadside before the upcoming parliament elections in Norway. The expansion of the budget, heavily focused towards public expenditure gives the package a strong leftist profile as well as allowing the government to support popular causes such as strengthening the economy of municipalities (which are responsible for primary education and care for the elderly among other things), more public building projects and increased spending on education and research.d for 2, to do the Kaynesian way and bring up this economic down fall.

This article shows that the practice of Keynesian economics is becoming more heavily sympathsized with than it was in the past due to the tough global economic times. It quotes a report as saying "The world has embraced this Keynesian moment, when greater government intervention in the economy has proven crucial."

This article gives an example of the effects of demand on price

This article describes a measure proposed by Obama as part of his healthcare overhaul and job creation plans, in which $225 million in Department of Labor grants would be used to train 15,000 people in job skills in careers such as healthcare, info-tech and other high growth fields. A high and steady rate of employment is a principle macroeconomic goal of the government.

This article is about the Intel using illegal methods to maintain a monopoly. The New York Attorney General says that the lack of competition means that customers are deprived of good prices.

Do you think the government should intervene here and regulate the prices so that the consumers can have better prices? If the government regulated the prices consumers would be more satisfied and the services would work better. The government could also bring in competition to regulate the prices.

This article is about the American trade deficit. It likely increased in November, as imports exceeded exports. The imbalance with China is particularly large, and is a source of increased political pressure between the countries.

"the number of Australian visitors to this country increased by 4 per cent"

The number of Australian visitors to this country increased by 4 per cent due to favorable exchange rate. This is an invisible trade in the form of tourism.

This article addresses the price discrimination in the American healthcare system. It pertains to both medical treatments and procedures, as well as medications. Specifically, it talks about the price discrimination that occurs against the lower and middle classes. This is a growing problem, seeing as many treatments are becoming highly advanced (and therefore very expensive).

This article is about the new Google operating system for netbooks. Google is attempting to take over this part of the PC industry, which is currently dominated by Microsoft.

This article describes the attempts of American senators to allow American pharmacies and patients to import prescription drugs from other countries at government controlled rates, thus avoiding higher, unregulated prices in the US.

This article talks about how McDonalds recently started a $1 dolar breakfast meal to try and increase sales. This price for breakfast does not take into consideration the social cost of consuming such unhealthy food. Because of the negative externalities such as weight gain and heart attacts, this is a form of market failure, .

Chocolate makers Hershey Co and Ferrero are considering a joint bid for Cadbury Plc that could help the British confectioner fend off a hostile takeover by Kraft Foods Inc. Cadbury had not been contacted by Ferrero but would consider any attractive offer.

This article talks about President Obama's recent actions to crack down on pollution and harmful emissions in the United States. It talks about Obama's use of pollution permits to encourage a decrease in emissions for electronic utilities and factories. Essentially, Obama wants to use the market for pollution permits to protect climate and develop greener technology.

This article from the Global Times is about how rising oil prices are affecting logistics firms. As logistics firms are involved with the transport of goods, oil constitutes a large part of their costs. In the past, these companies have been able to neutralize rising costs by increasing their service fees, but now that the economy is on the rebound, this isn't as easy.

This article reports on the closing of a high-end steakhouse in Vancouver. The demand for expensive food has dropped as incomes have faller due to the recession. This means that this sort of fancy restaurant has a positive income elasticity. As income falls, demand falls.

This article is about the decrease in Japan's machinery orders by 11.3%. The decline in orders could mean that Japanese companies are giving up on a recovery from deflation. This relates to the topic of deflation because in this article, it is saying that the Japanese economy "is going to suffer from price deflation for some time."

This Article Talks about how America has Hit a Recession that has impacted the Lower Waged Wokers the Hardest. According to the study, approximately 50 percent of households in the bottom decile of American income distribution are underemployed; in the second lowest decile, 37 percent of households can't find enough work. The authors write: "These extraordinarily high rates of labor underutilization among these two income groups would have to be classified as symbolic of a True Great Depression."