Unit 1: Mobiles in cars; a demerit good?

This BBC clip argues that is the case

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24983292#

Unit 2: Fiscal Policy: Revision pwerpoint

Thanks to tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-2-macro-fiscal-policy-revision-presentation

Unit 1: Is breastfeeding a merit good?

It could well be, according to the government who are starting a trial to give vouchers (ie a subsidy) to mothers who breastfeed. This BBC video explains all

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24908670#

a) What are the 2 conditions needed for a merit good?
b) Does breastfeeding meet these criteria
a) Evaluate the likely success of this project

Unit 1: Allocative efficiency and the demise of Blockbuster

Sky reports

http://news.sky.com/story/1167901/jobless-rate-at-three-year-low-of-7-6-percent

a) In what way does the disappearance of Blockbuster from high streets show allocative efficiency in the economy?

Unit 1: Shine on you crazy diamond

Classis S&D story in the auction house

http://news.sky.com/story/1167901/jobless-rate-at-three-year-low-of-7-6-percent

Unit 2: November 2013: Inproved unemployment figures

Report from Sky news

http://news.sky.com/story/1167901/jobless-rate-at-three-year-low-of-7-6-percent

and UK by region map from the Guardian

http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/interactive/2013/nov/13/uk-unemployment-mapped-adult-youth

Unit 1: Payday loans; a demerit good?

Ed Milliband appears to think so as he want regulations introduced to restrict when they can be shown, says Sky

http://news.sky.com/story/1166417/miliband-slams-payday-lenders-kids-ads

a) Why might payday loans be characterised as a demerit good?
b) To what extent would the proposal reduce the market failure?
c) What other actions could the government take? Would they be more successful?

Unit 2: ECB cuts interest rates

A really informative article from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24851483#

a) Why has the ECB cut the rate? Explain your answer in terms of the 4 macro-economic objectives
b) Evaluate the likely success of this policy move

Unit 1: US Government bans transfats

Thanks to tutor2u for this post

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-1-micro-us-food-authorities-take-step-to-ban-transfats

a) What is the market failure this intervention is meant to correct?
b) Evaluate the likely success of the government action in correcting the market failure
c) Outline one other action the US government could have taken instead of the legislation and compare the likely success of the 2 policies

Unit 1: Why has demand for blockbusters products collapsed

This article from Sky explains

http://news.sky.com/story/1165304/blockbuster-to-close-remaining-us-shops

a) Using the theory of demand, explain the demise of Blockbusters, both in the US and the UK

Unit 1: What explains the rising demand for new cars?

An interesting article from Sky news

http://news.sky.com/story/1164674/new-car-sales-fuel-efficiency-boosts-demand

a) Given we are experiencing little or no growth in real incomes, which of the determinants of demand explains the increasing demand for new cars?

Unit 1: Carbon capture: A market that requires more government intervention?

Given the positive externalities from carbon capture, what policies could the government use to accelerate its adoption?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-24804367#

Unit 2: The Welfare to Work scheme in Wales

Not a very successful supply side policy according to this BBC clip

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24813127#

Unit 2: The effect of a changing exchange rate

Nice post from economicshelp. especially the evaluation ideas at the end of the post

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/9328/business/effect-exchange-rate-business/

Unit 1: Negative externalities from sand mining in India

A really good example of negative externalities from Al Jazeera

http://bcove.me/chpfib65

Unit 1: Cuba; a step back to central planning?

Interesting development in Cuba that seems to buck the recent trend reports the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24793109#

...and Aljazeera

http://bcove.me/q578hx7h

Unit 1: The used car market; a case of information failure?

It would appear so from the point of view of the consumer, according to this BBC clip which clearly shows asymmetric information in the market

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24784713#

Unit 1: New York raises smoking age to 21

....reports Aljazeera

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1659202292001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAmtVJIFk~,TVGOQ5ZTwJbsT0Mq3k9H8GCa4jV3vL4M&bclid=0&bctid=2788180096001

Unit 2:European unemployment and inflation data

...available via the hyperlinks in this BBC summary

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24758601#

Unit 1: Should we tax sugary drinks to reduce obesity?

Possibly, or possibly not, says this Sky news clip

http://news.sky.com/story/1162375/sugary-drinks-tax-could-raise-treasury-275m