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Questions and Answers
What role did subprime lending play in causing the 2008 Recession?
What role did subprime lending play in causing the 2008 Recession?
Subprime lending led to a collapse in confidence in financial markets, triggering a crisis in the housing sector.
How did Brexit create uncertainty for Irish businesses?
How did Brexit create uncertainty for Irish businesses?
Brexit disrupted trade between Ireland and the UK, leading to concerns for businesses reliant on cross-border commerce.
What were the primary sectors in Ireland's economy that faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic?
What were the primary sectors in Ireland's economy that faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic?
The hospitality, aviation, and entertainment sectors suffered significantly due to decreased demand and event cancellations.
Identify two sensible fiscal policies that can be learned from past economic crises.
Identify two sensible fiscal policies that can be learned from past economic crises.
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Explain the impact of the 2008 Recession on Irish banks.
Explain the impact of the 2008 Recession on Irish banks.
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What are the two main subfields of economics and their focus areas?
What are the two main subfields of economics and their focus areas?
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Define aggregate demand and explain its relevance in economics.
Define aggregate demand and explain its relevance in economics.
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What distinguishes positive statements from normative statements in economics?
What distinguishes positive statements from normative statements in economics?
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What role did the Economic Development report by T.K. Whitaker play in Ireland's economy?
What role did the Economic Development report by T.K. Whitaker play in Ireland's economy?
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List two factors that contributed to the economic growth during the Celtic Tiger period.
List two factors that contributed to the economic growth during the Celtic Tiger period.
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How do Keynesian Economists and Free Market Economists differ in their views on government intervention?
How do Keynesian Economists and Free Market Economists differ in their views on government intervention?
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What significant event occurred in Ireland in 1973 that impacted its economy?
What significant event occurred in Ireland in 1973 that impacted its economy?
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Identify a negative economic event that impacted Ireland between 2008 and 2012.
Identify a negative economic event that impacted Ireland between 2008 and 2012.
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What is the primary function of money markets?
What is the primary function of money markets?
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Explain how the fractional reserve banking system enables banks to create credit.
Explain how the fractional reserve banking system enables banks to create credit.
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What factor can significantly deter the demand for credit?
What factor can significantly deter the demand for credit?
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Define nominal interest rate.
Define nominal interest rate.
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What is the effect of inflation on the supply of credit?
What is the effect of inflation on the supply of credit?
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What role does government policy play in the demand for credit?
What role does government policy play in the demand for credit?
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List one limitation on a bank's ability to create credit.
List one limitation on a bank's ability to create credit.
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Describe the relationship between future economic expectations and credit demand.
Describe the relationship between future economic expectations and credit demand.
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What formula calculates the real interest rate?
What formula calculates the real interest rate?
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How do higher interest rates impact mortgage repayments for homeowners?
How do higher interest rates impact mortgage repayments for homeowners?
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What can be a consequence of higher interest rates on personal finances?
What can be a consequence of higher interest rates on personal finances?
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What positive effect do lower interest rates have on consumer behavior?
What positive effect do lower interest rates have on consumer behavior?
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What is one effect of less competition in the banking sector on rural areas?
What is one effect of less competition in the banking sector on rural areas?
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What role does the Central Bank of Ireland play as a regulator?
What role does the Central Bank of Ireland play as a regulator?
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How do financial markets benefit borrowers and lenders?
How do financial markets benefit borrowers and lenders?
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What is a consequence of increased savings rates on consumer behavior?
What is a consequence of increased savings rates on consumer behavior?
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What impact does the Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) have when savings rates decline?
What impact does the Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) have when savings rates decline?
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Why is regulation in the banking sector argued to be beneficial?
Why is regulation in the banking sector argued to be beneficial?
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What is one argument against banking regulation?
What is one argument against banking regulation?
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What economic advantage do non-cash payment methods provide to banks?
What economic advantage do non-cash payment methods provide to banks?
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How does the Central Bank of Ireland contribute to the protection of consumers?
How does the Central Bank of Ireland contribute to the protection of consumers?
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What effect do increased mortgage repayments have on consumer spending?
What effect do increased mortgage repayments have on consumer spending?
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What are the primary functions of capital markets?
What are the primary functions of capital markets?
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Explain how interest rates impact the demand for credit.
Explain how interest rates impact the demand for credit.
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What is the significance of the reserve ratio in the banking system?
What is the significance of the reserve ratio in the banking system?
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How do government policies affect the availability of credit?
How do government policies affect the availability of credit?
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What is meant by the term 'money multiplier'?
What is meant by the term 'money multiplier'?
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Describe the impact of inflation on credit supply.
Describe the impact of inflation on credit supply.
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What consequences can result from poor lending practices by banks?
What consequences can result from poor lending practices by banks?
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How does the international economic climate influence credit demand?
How does the international economic climate influence credit demand?
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What is the impact of higher interest rates on consumer spending?
What is the impact of higher interest rates on consumer spending?
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How do lower interest rates encourage borrowing?
How do lower interest rates encourage borrowing?
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What effect does decreased competition in the banking sector have on consumer choice?
What effect does decreased competition in the banking sector have on consumer choice?
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What role does the Central Bank of Ireland play in ensuring financial stability?
What role does the Central Bank of Ireland play in ensuring financial stability?
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What is one consequence of increased mortgage repayment costs due to rising interest rates?
What is one consequence of increased mortgage repayment costs due to rising interest rates?
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Describe how low interest rates can impact government revenue from DIRT.
Describe how low interest rates can impact government revenue from DIRT.
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How does an increase in the savings rate affect liquidity in the banking sector?
How does an increase in the savings rate affect liquidity in the banking sector?
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What is one argument in favor of banking regulation?
What is one argument in favor of banking regulation?
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What are the consequences of personal bankruptcies due to rising interest rates?
What are the consequences of personal bankruptcies due to rising interest rates?
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How do financial markets assist in global transactions?
How do financial markets assist in global transactions?
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What effect do higher interest rates have on businesses' willingness to invest?
What effect do higher interest rates have on businesses' willingness to invest?
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What is one potential downside of lower savings rates due to reduced interest rates?
What is one potential downside of lower savings rates due to reduced interest rates?
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What is a potential implication of rising unemployment due to high interest rates?
What is a potential implication of rising unemployment due to high interest rates?
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What impact does reduced access to financial services in rural areas have?
What impact does reduced access to financial services in rural areas have?
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What is one way non-cash payment methods benefit consumers?
What is one way non-cash payment methods benefit consumers?
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Study Notes
Economics
- Microeconomics: Focuses on individual markets, looking at household and firm behavior.
- Macroeconomics: Examines the economy as a whole, analyzing government involvement and economic indicators.
- Demand: A consumer's willingness to pay for a good or service.
- Supply: The total amount of a good or service available to consumers.
- Positive Statements: Objective statements testable with evidence.
- Normative Statements: Subjective opinions on how the economy should function.
Economic Schools of Thought
- Keynesian Economists: Favor government intervention in the economy, such as minimum wages and interest rate adjustments.
- Free Market Economists: Advocate for self-regulation by the market, opposing government interventions like bailouts.
Irish Economic History
- 1922-1939: Ireland gains independence from the UK.
- 1958: The Economic Development report by T.K. Whitaker promotes free trade, leading to growth.
- 1973: Ireland joins the European Economic Community (EEC).
- 1990-2000: The Celtic Tiger era marks rapid economic growth.
- 2008-2012: The Financial Crisis.
- 2012-2019: Economic Recovery.
The Celtic Tiger
- Period of rapid economic growth in Ireland from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s.
- Driven by:
- Foreign Direct Investment
- Skilled workforce
- Favorable tax policies
The 2008 Recession
- Caused by:
- High demand for housing
- Reliance on the construction sector
- Poor bank practices
- Triggered by global financial market turmoil, particularly in the US due to subprime lending.
Brexit
- The UK voted to leave the European Union in June 2016.
- Uncertainty and negotiations followed regarding trade in and out of Northern Ireland.
COVID-19 Pandemic
- Triggered a dual crisis for the Irish economy, a health emergency and economic shock.
- Sectors like hospitality, aviation, and entertainment were particularly impacted due to decreased demand and cancellations.
- Government revenue fell, while spending surged for social welfare and healthcare.
- Uncertainty caused companies to defer or cancel investments.
Learning from the Past
- Sensible fiscal policies: Ensure sustainable government spending and revenue.
- Embrace export markets: Diversify the economy to reduce reliance on any single market.
- Household debt: Manage debt levels to avoid economic vulnerability.
- Investment in education: Develop a skilled workforce for future economic prosperity.
- Monitor credit: Implement proper regulations to prevent another financial crisis.
Financial Markets
- Money markets: short-term finance used for daily operations
- Capital markets: medium and long-term finance, used for government bonds and company shares
- Foreign Exchange Markets: facilitate buying and selling of currencies
Money Supply
- Factors affecting demand for credit:*
- Interest rates: higher rates lead to higher borrowing costs
- Future expectations/international economic climate: optimistic outlook leads to increased investment and credit demand
- Government intervention/policy: policies can encourage or discourage borrowing
- Factors affecting supply of credit:*
- Inflation/deflation: increased credit supply can cause inflation
- Balance of payments: higher credit availability can lead to increased imports
- Poor lending practices: banks may lend to risky borrowers for profit
How Banks Create Credit
- Fractional reserve banking system: banks hold reserves less than the value of their outstanding claims
- Money multiplier: calculated by dividing 1 by the reserve ratio
Limitations on Bank Credit Creation
- Reserve Ratios: legally mandated percentage of cash held by banks
- Lack of cash deposits: banks need depositors to attract borrowers
- Availability of suitable borrowers: banks may lend to unsuitable borrowers when suitable ones are unavailable
Interest Rates
- Nominal Interest Rate: interest rate before accounting for inflation
- Real Interest Rate: nominal interest rate minus inflation rate
Effects of Interest Rate Changes on the Irish Economy
- Increased Interest Rates:*
- Higher mortgage repayments: reduces disposable income for homeowners
- Slower economic growth: decreased consumer spending
- Risk of bankruptcies due to loan defaults: borrowers struggle to repay loans
- Reduced investment: businesses are discouraged from investing
- Reduction in consumption: consumers save more, lowering aggregate demand
- Rising unemployment: decreased spending reduces demand for labor
- Decreased Interest Rates:*
- Encouraged borrowing: cheaper borrowing increases spending power
- Incentive to invest: reduced borrowing costs boost investment
- DIRT revenue decreased: lower savings rates reduce government revenue
- Discouraged savings: lower returns make saving less attractive, leading to increased spending
- Reduced mortgage repayments: increased disposable income
- Cost of servicing national debt decreased: lowers cost of repaying debt
- Economic growth encouraged: increased investment and spending
- Employment: increased demand for labor, potentially boosting employment
Financial Institutions
- Financial markets: facilitate cross-border and cross-time movement of money
-
Institutions operating in Ireland:
- Stock brokers
- Commercial banks
- Credit Unions
- Insurance firms
- Investment funds
Role of Financial Institutions
- Provision of credit facilities: lending money
- Pool risk: spreading financial risk among investors
- Offer investment advice: provide guidance on investments
Effects of Less Competition in the Banking Sector
- Decreased standard of living: higher prices and less choice
- Less rural economic activity: limited access to financial services
- Decrease in consumer banking: fewer options for consumers, leading to job losses
The Regulator and Regulation in the Banking Sector
- Central Bank of Ireland: acts as a gatekeeper for financial providers
- Banks face stricter regulation: to protect depositors and control money supply
Role of the Regulator
- Ensures stability of the financial system: prevents disruptions
- Protects customer financial services: safeguards consumer interests
Arguments for Regulation in the Banking Sector
- Fair prices for consumers: limits predatory practices
- Higher quality of services: improves consumer experience
- Higher equity requirements: makes banks less risky
- Lower risk of financial crises: reduces systemic failures
- Lower costs for taxpayers: minimizes bailouts
Arguments Against Regulation in the Banking Sector
- Difficult access to finance for businesses: restricts supply of capital
- No guarantee of effectiveness: regulations may not achieve desired outcomes
- High levels of administrative work: increases compliance burdens
- High barriers to entry for new financial companies: stifles competition
Effectiveness of the Regulator
- Financial system stability: Central Bank has crisis management protocols
- Protection of consumer financial services: enforced compensation for affected customers
IMF and World Bank as Regulators
- Assess financial markets: recommend policies to prevent crises
- IMF role in Irish bailout: provided financial support in 2010
The Central Bank of Ireland
- Governor Gabriel Makhlouf: member of ECB Governing Council
- Important economic role: influencing the Irish economy
Role of the Central Bank of Ireland
- Price stability: controlling inflation
- **Regulation:**overseeing financial institutions
- Protection of consumers: ensuring fair treatment
- Banker to the government: managing government accounts
- Efficient payment systems: facilitating transactions
- Independent economic advice: providing expertise
- High-quality statistics: collecting and analyzing economic data
- Recovery and resolution of financial institutions: handling failing institutions
Impact of Increased Savings Rate on the Irish Economy
- Liquidity and stability in the banking sector: increased deposits
- Decline in aggregate demand and delayed consumption: reduced spending
- Increase in DIRT revenue for the government: higher taxes on savings
Economic Advantages of Non-Cash Methods of Payment
- Consumers:*
- Increased convenience: easier and faster transactions
- Digital record/easy to trace: provides receipts and security
- Reduced risk of theft: eliminates physical cash
- Banks:*
- Time saved by staff dealing with cash: increased efficiency
- Development of new/improved banking methods: innovation and growth
- Reduction in staff numbers/cost reductions: optimized operations
- Reduced risk of robbery: eliminates cash-related security concerns
- Lower insurance premiums: reduced risk of theft and fraud
Types of Financial Markets
- Money Markets: Short-term finance for industries, companies, banks, and governments, used for day-to-day operations.
- Capital Markets: Medium and long-term finance for governments (bonds) and firms (shares), allowing them to raise long-term financing.
- Foreign Exchange Markets: Different currencies are bought and sold.
Money Supply
-
Factors affecting demand for credit:
- Interest Rates: The cost of borrowing money.
- Future Expectations/International Economic Climate: Firm optimism about the future drives investment and credit demand.
- Government Intervention/Policy: Policies can encourage or discourage borrowing.
-
Factors affecting supply of credit:
- Inflation/Deflation: A significant increase in credit supply can cause demand-pull inflation.
- Balance of Payments: Higher credit availability can lead to increased imports due to greater purchasing power.
- Poor Lending Practices: Banks may lend to unqualified borrowers to increase profits.
How Banks Create Credit
- Fractional Reserve Banking System: Banks hold reserves less than their outstanding claims. This system allows banks to create credit.
- Money Multiplier: The amount of credit created from each unit of reserves (1/Reserve Ratio).
Limitations on Bank Credit Creation
- Reserve Ratios: Laws require banks to hold a percentage of cash reserves against deposits.
- Lack of Cash Deposits: Banks need depositors to have borrowers and must offer competitive interest rates.
- Availability of Suitable Borrowers: When suitable borrowers are limited, banks may lend to riskier borrowers.
Interest Rates
- Nominal Interest Rate: The interest rate before adjusting for inflation.
-
Real Interest Rate: Nominal interest rate minus inflation rate.
- Formula: Real Interest Rate = Nominal Interest Rate - Inflation Rate
Effects of Increased Interest Rates on the Irish Economy
- Increased Mortgage Interest Repayments: Higher rates increase mortgage costs, reducing disposable income for homeowners.
- Slowing Economic Growth: Increased borrowing costs decrease consumer spending, impacting growth.
- Risk of Personal Bankruptcies: Difficulty in repayments leads to loan defaults and potential bankruptcies.
- Reduced Investment: Businesses are discouraged from investing due to higher borrowing costs.
- Reduction in Consumption: Higher returns on savings encourage people to save more and spend less, lowering demand.
- Rising Unemployment: Reduced consumer spending and investment decrease demand for labor.
Effects of Decreased Interest Rates in the Irish Economy
- Borrowing Encouraged: Lower interest rates make borrowing cheaper, increasing spending power and improving living standards.
- Incentive to Invest: Reduced borrowing costs and higher returns on capital encourage businesses to invest.
- DIRT Revenue Decreased: Lower savings rates may reduce government revenue from Deposit Interest Retention Tax.
- Savings Discouraged: Lower returns on savings make saving less attractive, leading to increased spending.
- Reduced Mortgage Repayments: Lower rates lower mortgage payments, boosting disposable income and living standards.
- Cost of Servicing the National Debt: Lower interest rates decrease the cost of repaying the national debt.
- Economic Growth Encouraged: Increased investment and consumer spending stimulate growth.
- Employment: Higher consumer spending and investment boost demand for labor.
Financial Markets
- Facilitate the movement of money across time and geography, offering interest rates to balance risk.
- Enable cross-border money flow, expanding global financial opportunities.
Financial Institutions in Ireland
- Stock Brokers
- Commercial Banks
- Credit Unions
- Insurance Firms
- Investment Funds
Role of Financial Institutions
- Provision of Credit Facilities
- Pool Risk
- Offer Investment Advice
Effects of Less Competition in the Banking Sector
- Decreased Standard of Living: Higher prices and limited choices decrease consumer living standards.
- Less Rural Economic Activity: Limited access to financial services in rural areas.
- Decrease in Consumer Banking: Fewer options for consumers lead to decreased employment in the sector.
The Regulator and Regulation in the Banking Sector
- Central Bank of Ireland: Acts as a gatekeeper, preventing unauthorized financial providers from operating.
- Banks face stricter regulations than other institutions to protect depositors and control the money supply.
Role of the Regulator
- Ensures the Stability of the Financial System
- Protects Customer Financial Services
Arguments for Regulation in the Banking Sector
- Fair Pricing for Consumers
- High Quality
- Higher Equity Requirements
- Lower Risk of Financial Crises
- Lower Costs for Taxpayers
Arguments Against Regulation in the Banking Sector
- More Difficult for Irish Businesses to Access Finance
- No Guarantee of Effectiveness
- High Administrative Workload
- High Barriers to Entry for New Financial Companies
Effectiveness of the Regulator
- Stability of the Financial Sector: The Central Bank updates crisis management protocols and coordinates responses to sector destabilizing events.
- Protection of Consumer Financial Services: Following the Tracker Mortgage controversy, the Central Bank enforced accountability measures and compelled lenders to compensate customers.
IMF and World Bank as Regulators
- IMF and World Bank: Assess a country's financial markets and recommend policies to prevent future crises.
- The IMF played a role in Ireland's 2010 bailout package.
The Central Bank of Ireland
- Governor: Gabriel Makhlouf, member of the ECB's Governing Council.
- Plays a significant economic role in Ireland.
Role of the Central Bank of Ireland
- Price Stability
- Regulation
- Protection of Consumers of Financial Services
- Banker to the Government of Ireland
- Efficient and Effective Payment Systems
- Independent Economic Advice and High-Quality Statistics
- Recovery and Resolution of Financial Institutions
Impact of an Increase in the Savings Rate on the Irish Economy
- Liquidity and Stability in the Banking Sector
- Decline in Aggregate Demand and Delayed Consumption
- Increase in DIRT Revenue for the Government
Economic Advantages of Non-Cash-Based Payments
-
Consumers:
- Increased Convenience
- Digital Record/Easy to Trace
- Reduced Risk of Theft
-
Banks:
- Time Saved by Staff Dealing with Cash
- Development of New/Improved Banking Methods
- Reduction in Staff Numbers/Cost Reductions
- Reduced Risk of Robbery
- Lower Insurance Premiums
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Description
This quiz covers fundamental concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Topics include demand, supply, economic statements, and schools of thought such as Keynesian and free market economics. Additionally, explore key milestones in Irish economic history.