Economics Semester 2 B.Com Notes
Introduction
Economics is a social science that studies how individuals, businesses, governments, and societies make decisions about how to allocate resources. It is divided into two main branches: microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Microeconomics
Microeconomics is the study of the behavior of individual consumers, firms, and industries. It focuses on how supply and demand interact to determine prices in markets. Some key concepts in microeconomics include:
- Supply and demand
- Elasticity
- Market structures (perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, monopoly)
- Consumer behavior (utility, budget constraints)
- Production and costs (marginal cost, average cost)
Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole. It looks at factors like inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. Some key concepts in macroeconomics include:
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- Inflation and deflation
- Unemployment
- Monetary policy (interest rates, money supply)
- Fiscal policy (government spending, taxation)
International Economics
International economics is the study of how countries interact with each other in the global economy. It looks at issues like trade, exchange rates, and international finance. Some key concepts in international economics include:
- Comparative advantage
- Balance of payments
- Exchange rates
- International trade agreements (NAFTA, WTO)
- Foreign direct investment
Conclusion
Economics is a complex and diverse field of study that touches on many aspects of our lives. By understanding the principles of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics, we can gain insights into how the world works and make better decisions in our personal and professional lives.