International Monetary Fund (IMF)
What is the International Monetary Fund (IMF)? The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an institution of the United Nations that sets standards for the global economy with the aim of strengthening its member countries economically. The organization currently lists 189 member countries that are represented on the IMF Executive Board. The ratio of board members…
Zero Sum Game (and Non Zero Sum)
Capital Controls
What are Capital Controls? Capital controls are measures taken by either the government or the central bank of an economy to regulate the outflow and inflow of foreign capital in the country. The measures taken may be in the form of taxes, tariffs, volume restrictions, or outright legislation. They may be applicable to the whole…
Economies of Scope
What are Economies of Scope? Economies of scope is an economic concept that refers to the decrease in the total cost of production when a range of products are produced together rather than separately. Formula for Economies of Scope Where: C(qa) is the cost of producing quantity qa of good a separately C(qb) is the…
Pigou Effect
What is the Pigou Effect? The Pigou Effect is a theory proposed by the famous anti-Keynesian economist, Arthur Pigou. It explains a relationship between consumption, employment, and economic output during times of deflation and inflation. According to Pigou, during deflation, prices are low, which leads to greater real wealth. The increased wealth then stimulates demand,…
Demand Curve
Price Taker
What is a Price Taker? A price taker, in economics, refers to a market participant that is not able to dictate the prices in a market. Therefore, a price taker must accept the prevailing market price. A price taker lacks enough market power to influence the prices of goods or services. Price Takers in a…
Eurozone
What is the Eurozone? All European Union countries that adopted the euro as their national currency form a geographical and economic region known as the Eurozone. The Eurozone forms one of the largest economic regions in the world. Nineteen of the 28 countries in Europe use the euro as their national currency and, thus, it…
Gross National Product
What is Gross National Product (GNP)? Gross National Product (GNP) is a measure of the value of all goods and services produced by a country’s residents and businesses. It estimates the value of the final products and services manufactured by a country’s residents, regardless of the production location. GNP is calculated by adding personal consumption…