Stable and unstable equilibrium, Managerial Economics

Assignment Help:

Stable and Unstable Equilibrium

An equilibrium is said to be stable equilibrium when economic forces tend to push the market towards it.  In other words, any divergence from the equilibrium position sets up forces, which tend to restore the equilibrium.  This is the case in the market for good X illustrated.

At prices above Ope, there is an excess supply which pushes the price down.  At prices below Ope there is an excess demand which pushes the price up.

Unstable equilibrium on the other hand is one such that any divergence from the equilibrium sets up forces which push the price further away from the equilibrium price.  Consider the figure below which illustrates the market for good Y, which has a demand curve sloping upwards from left to right.  Good Y might be an inferior good or a veblen good.

Price Ope is the equilibrium price and quantity Oqe is the equilibrium quantity.  The "abnormal" demand curve means that at prices above Ope there is excess demand which pushes the price upwards and away from the equilibrium.  Similarly, at prices below Ope, there is excess supply which pushes the prices even further down.

Thus, although equilibrium are states of rest at which no economic forces exist to change the situation, it is important to remember that not all equilibria are stable.  The equilibrium in the figure above is sometimes called a knife edge equilibrium because a small change in price sends the system well away from equilibrium.


Related Discussions:- Stable and unstable equilibrium

Advantages of product differentiation, Advantages of Product Differentiatio...

Advantages of Product Differentiation We can distinguish between those advantages for the firm itself and those for the consumer: a.          For the firm. i.

Question, Calculate point elasticity of demand for demand function Q=10-2p ...

Calculate point elasticity of demand for demand function Q=10-2p for decrease in price from Rs 3 to Rs 2

Show the example on transaction cost theory, Q. Show the example on transac...

Q. Show the example on transaction cost theory? Coase begins from standpoint that markets could in theory carry out all production and that what needs to be illustrated is th

Nature of commodity and income elasticity, For all regular goods, income el...

For all regular goods, income elasticity is positive though the degree of elasticity fluctuates as per the nature of commodities. Consumer goods are generally categorised under thr

Average propensity to consume, Average Propensity to Consume The avera...

Average Propensity to Consume The average Propensity to Consume [APC] is defined as the fraction of aggregate national income which is devoted to consumption.  If consumptio

What are tools of factor markets and distribution of income, What are the t...

What are the tools of factor markets and the distribution of income? Tools of factor markets and the distribution of income: a. Factor distribution of income b. Marginal

Theory of multiplier, income generation process through investment multipli...

income generation process through investment multiplier

Reasons for fluctuations in agricultural prices, REASONS FOR FLUCTUATIONS I...

REASONS FOR FLUCTUATIONS IN AGRICULTURAL PRICES Production depends on factors beyond the control of the producers e.g. weather, disease and pests.  Actual and planned output i

What is lerner’s index, Antitrust authorities at the Federal Trade Commissi...

Antitrust authorities at the Federal Trade Commission are reviewing your company's recent merger with a rival firm. The FTC is concerned that the merger of two rival firms in the s

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd