Introduction to Micro and Macroeconomics
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Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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.

<p>Sensible fiscal policies include monitoring credit and investing in education.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the impact of the 2008 Recession on Irish banks.

<p>The 2008 Recession led to severe financial difficulties for Irish banks, necessitating a government bailout.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main subfields of economics and their focus areas?

<p>Microeconomics focuses on individual markets, while Macroeconomics studies the economy as a whole.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define aggregate demand and explain its relevance in economics.

<p>Aggregate demand is the total demand for all goods and services in an economy, which is relevant for analyzing overall economic performance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes positive statements from normative statements in economics?

<p>Positive statements are objective and can be tested, while normative statements are subjective opinions about how the economy should function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Economic Development report by T.K. Whitaker play in Ireland's economy?

<p>The report promoted free trade and redirected the Irish economy towards growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two factors that contributed to the economic growth during the Celtic Tiger period.

<p>Foreign direct investment and an educated workforce.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Keynesian Economists and Free Market Economists differ in their views on government intervention?

<p>Keynesian Economists support government intervention, while Free Market Economists advocate for minimal or no government involvement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in Ireland in 1973 that impacted its economy?

<p>Ireland joined the European Economic Community (EEC).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify a negative economic event that impacted Ireland between 2008 and 2012.

<p>The Financial Crisis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of money markets?

<p>To provide short-term finance for day-to-day operations of industries, companies, banks, and governments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the fractional reserve banking system enables banks to create credit.

<p>Banks can lend more money than they hold in reserves by keeping a fraction of deposits as cash and using the remainder for loans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor can significantly deter the demand for credit?

<p>High interest rates can significantly deter the demand for credit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define nominal interest rate.

<p>The nominal interest rate is the interest rate offered before adjusting for inflation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of inflation on the supply of credit?

<p>Significant increases in credit supply can lead to demand-pull inflation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does government policy play in the demand for credit?

<p>Government policies can either incentivize or deter borrowing based on their economic approach.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one limitation on a bank's ability to create credit.

<p>Reserve ratios limit how much a bank can lend based on the cash it must hold.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between future economic expectations and credit demand.

<p>If firms are optimistic about future economic conditions, they are more likely to invest and increase their demand for credit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What formula calculates the real interest rate?

<p>Real Interest Rate = Nominal Interest Rate - Inflation Rate</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do higher interest rates impact mortgage repayments for homeowners?

<p>Higher interest rates increase mortgage costs, reducing homeowners' disposable income.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of higher interest rates on personal finances?

<p>They can lead to an increase in loan defaults and personal bankruptcies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What positive effect do lower interest rates have on consumer behavior?

<p>Lower interest rates encourage borrowing, increasing disposable income and spending.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of less competition in the banking sector on rural areas?

<p>Less competition can lead to limited access to financial services in rural areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Central Bank of Ireland play as a regulator?

<p>It ensures stability in the financial system and protects customer financial services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do financial markets benefit borrowers and lenders?

<p>They balance risk by offering interest rates that facilitate the movement of money.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of increased savings rates on consumer behavior?

<p>Higher savings rates can lead to a decline in aggregate demand and delayed consumption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) have when savings rates decline?

<p>A decrease in savings rates may reduce government revenue from DIRT.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is regulation in the banking sector argued to be beneficial?

<p>It ensures fair pricing, high quality, and lower risks of financial crises.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument against banking regulation?

<p>It can create high barriers to entry for new financial companies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What economic advantage do non-cash payment methods provide to banks?

<p>They save time for staff dealing with cash and reduce operational costs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Central Bank of Ireland contribute to the protection of consumers?

<p>It enforces accountability measures for financial services and ensures compliance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do increased mortgage repayments have on consumer spending?

<p>They reduce disposable income, thus lowering overall consumer spending.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary functions of capital markets?

<p>Capital markets allow firms and governments to raise long-term financing, primarily through issuing shares and bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how interest rates impact the demand for credit.

<p>Higher interest rates generally decrease the demand for credit, as borrowing becomes more expensive for consumers and businesses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the reserve ratio in the banking system?

<p>The reserve ratio is significant because it determines the minimum amount of reserves a bank must hold against its deposits, impacting how much credit it can create.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do government policies affect the availability of credit?

<p>Government policies can either incentivize borrowing through low interest rates or discourage it through regulatory restrictions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'money multiplier'?

<p>The money multiplier refers to the maximum amount of money that banks can create with each dollar of reserves, calculated as $1 / ext{Reserve Ratio}$.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the impact of inflation on credit supply.

<p>Inflation can lead to a decreased supply of credit if lenders feel uncertain about future economic conditions and adjust their lending practices accordingly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequences can result from poor lending practices by banks?

<p>Poor lending practices can result in increased defaults and financial instability, as banks may lend to uncreditworthy customers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the international economic climate influence credit demand?

<p>A favorable international economic climate can increase credit demand, as firms are more likely to seek loans for expansion if they are optimistic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of higher interest rates on consumer spending?

<p>Higher interest rates reduce consumer spending due to increased borrowing costs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do lower interest rates encourage borrowing?

<p>Lower interest rates decrease borrowing costs, making loans more affordable for consumers and businesses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does decreased competition in the banking sector have on consumer choice?

<p>Decreased competition leads to fewer banking options for consumers, often resulting in higher prices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Central Bank of Ireland play in ensuring financial stability?

<p>The Central Bank of Ireland regulates financial institutions to ensure the stability of the financial system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of increased mortgage repayment costs due to rising interest rates?

<p>Increased mortgage repayment costs reduce disposable income for homeowners.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how low interest rates can impact government revenue from DIRT.

<p>Lower interest rates can decrease DIRT revenue as savings returns diminish.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does an increase in the savings rate affect liquidity in the banking sector?

<p>An increase in the savings rate enhances liquidity and stability within the banking sector.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument in favor of banking regulation?

<p>One argument for banking regulation is that it lowers the risk of financial crises.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of personal bankruptcies due to rising interest rates?

<p>Higher interest rates can lead to loan defaults and increased personal bankruptcies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do financial markets assist in global transactions?

<p>Financial markets facilitate the movement of money across borders, helping balance risk for lenders and borrowers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do higher interest rates have on businesses' willingness to invest?

<p>Higher interest rates discourage businesses from investing in capital goods and expansion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential downside of lower savings rates due to reduced interest rates?

<p>Lower savings rates may discourage saving, leading to increased consumer spending.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential implication of rising unemployment due to high interest rates?

<p>Rising unemployment can result from decreased consumer spending and investment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does reduced access to financial services in rural areas have?

<p>Limited access to financial services can stifle economic activity in rural communities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way non-cash payment methods benefit consumers?

<p>Non-cash payment methods provide increased convenience for consumers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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.

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