Big Mac Index is contstructed upon the theory of purchasing-power parity (PPP) where it is postulated that a dollar should buy roughly the same amount in all countries. Theoretically the exchange rate over time between two countries should move towards parity that will equalize the prices identical basket of goods and services in each country indexed. The "basket" that the Economist chose is the McDonald's Big Mac. This product is produced in 120 countries world wide. According to the Economist, Big Mac PPP is the exchange rate that would translate into hamburgers costing the same in America as abroad. Comparing the actual exchange rate with the PPP indicates whether a currency is overvalued or undervalued ("Big mac index," 2011) Based upon the 2010 figures, the country where the Big Mac is the most expensive is in Norway where it cost $7.88 ("2010 big mac index," 2010). It is least expensive to buy a Big Mac in Croatia where it costs $1.50...
The theory and methodology behind the burger does have serious limitations in terms of estimates of the PPP. Frankly, in many countries, eating out at corporate fast-food restaurant chains is expensive in comparison with local restaurants. Also, other factors weigh in such as what proportion of sales might be due to competition, local taxes and import tariffs on what are considered locally as luxury items. Therefore, the index may not be representative of a country's whole economy but simply the small elite sector that can afford to eat out and has American and Western tastes (McConnell, & Bruce, 2004, 473) .
These factors mean that the old economic theories are not always working properly and are not always properly adapted to the current globalization conditions. Following from this, as more importance is weighted towards behavioural economics, the old theories and rational behaviours of population are believed to weigh less now and thus give misleading guidance to the market players. 4. a. I believe that economic terms can be used for both examination
For example, if apple prices are higher than orange prices, consumers are likely to buy more oranges, since the fruits are virtually substitute goods for one another. So long as the apple growers can still make a profit, they will very likely lower their prices to meet consumer demand, until demand for apples increases again. Another example is that of gas prices. While gas 'gouging' certainly exists, it is
Economists Explain the theory of Social Darwinism. What elements of truth are in the theory? How do you refute it? The theory of Social Darwinism is simply asserts that only the fittest survive in the wild or in society as it exists today. Thus, this theory was based heavily on the ideas of Charles Darwin and his views on plants and animals in nature. Thus, this theory specified that the weak
Value Theory Economists Ideas on Value Theory: Value theory has been interpreted and described in many different manners throughout the course of history. There are classical theorists, early classical theorists and socialists, and even those who are categorized as late Ricardians. This essay will focus on the definition of value theory as defined by the following theorists: Marx, Menger, Ricardo, Say and Smith. Each of these economic theorists presented a slightly
Cyclical Unemployment economists overstating cyclical unemployment rate understating natural rate? Are economists overstating the cyclical unemployment rate and understating the natural rate? Cyclical unemployment derives its name from the fact that it reflects the 'cyclical' ebbs and flows of the business cycle (Ask an economist, 2008, Labor Market Info). When the economy is doing poorly, workers are let go and are involuntarily unemployed. Although the contraction may begin within one economic sector, eventually
Deficit and Economy Today, economists generally agree that high budget deficits reduce the ability of the economy to grow in the future. So, the general question is, why do high budget deficits matter? In order to understand this, we need to understand the concepts of economic growth and decline. What is economic growth: "Economic growth occurs primarily with the increase in value of goods and services produced by an economy" (Case
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