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

Measuring point elasticity on a linear demand curve, Measuring Point Elasti...

Measuring Point Elasticity on a Linear Demand Curve To explain the measurement of point elasticity of a linear demand curve, let's suppose that a linear demand curve is given b

Point elasticity of demand, calculate point elasticity of demand for demand...

calculate point elasticity of demand for demand function q=10-2p for decrease in price from rs 3 to rs 2

Aggregate demand, AGGREGATE DEMAND This refers to the total planned or...

AGGREGATE DEMAND This refers to the total planned or desired spending in the economy as a whole in a given period. It is made up of consumption demand by individuals, planned

Elasticity of price expectation, in the context of an environment of busine...

in the context of an environment of business,state briefly the implication of (1) Ee>1.....(2)Ee=1......(3)Ee=0.......(4)Ee

Maximizing profit in firm, how does knowledge of economics help in maximizi...

how does knowledge of economics help in maximizing profit in firm

What is demand theory, What is Demand theory: Demand theory relates to ...

What is Demand theory: Demand theory relates to the study of consumer behaviour. It addresses questions like what incites a consumer to buy a particular product, why do consume

Principles of an optimal tax system, PRINCIPLES OF AN OPTIMAL TAX  SYSTEM ...

PRINCIPLES OF AN OPTIMAL TAX  SYSTEM When taxes are imposed certain conditions must be fulfilled.  These conditions are known as Principles or canons of taxation. According to

Projection method of demand forecasting, Explain trend projection method of...

Explain trend projection method of demand forecasting with illustration.

Short run cost curve, Ajax has the following short run cost curve when tc=8...

Ajax has the following short run cost curve when tc=800000-5000Q+100Q2

Deemand forecasting, Q 3. What is Demand Forecasting? Explain in brief vari...

Q 3. What is Demand Forecasting? Explain in brief various methods of forecasting demand.

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