Wa1 – Module 3 Yyyy-Mm-Eco-111-Ol010

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1. What is the mechanism by which the "invisible hand" pushes markets to equilibrium? The mechanism by which the “invisible hand” pushes markets to equilibrium is PRICE. According to the author, “..prices are the instrument with witch the invisible hand directs economic activity (Mankiw, P10). Based on the price factor, buyers determines how much to demand. The equilibrium price is the price that balances quantity supplied and quantity demanded; the quantity of the good that buyers are willing and able to buy exactly balances the quantity that sellers are willing and able to sell (Mankiw, P77). 2. Explain the two main causes of market failure and give an example of each. Market failure is referred to a situation in which the market on its own fails to produce an efficient allocation of resources (Mankiw, P11). The two main reasons for a market failure are: * Externality – the impact of one person’s actions on the well-being of a bystander * Market Power – the ability of a single economic actor or group of actors to have a substantial influence on market prices Examples: A typical example of externality is pollution. Emissions have negative impact on environment. This negative externality affects environment, society, economies, and overall well-being. Pollution (waste storage and disposal, chemical or other toxic waste, noise, chemical pollution of water, rivers, sea, etc.) in some areas doesn’t justify the cost compare to the benefits society has from the associated economic activity. Monopoly is a classic example of another type of market failure - market power. The lack of competition and the power of the entity lead to unfair prices. The “invisible hand” is weakened since it can’t keep self-interest in check. For example, AT&T (in 90s) had a complete control over the communication technology in the country. It provided the

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