Which of the following matters may account for changes in demand?
I - changes in consumer preferences
II - changes in real income
III - changes in distribution of incomes
IV - changes in levels of taxation
Changes in demand can be influenced by various factors. Among them, changes in consumer preferences, real income, distribution of incomes, and levels of taxation can all affect the quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to buy at a given price.
I. Changes in consumer preferences refer to shifts in the tastes and preferences of consumers. For example, if people start to prefer healthier food options, the demand for fruits and vegetables may increase while the demand for processed foods may decrease.
II. Changes in real income can also impact demand. If people's real income increases, they may be able to afford more goods and services, which can lead to an increase in demand for those products. Conversely, if real income decreases, consumers may cut back on their spending, leading to a decrease in demand.
III. Changes in the distribution of incomes can also affect demand. If the distribution of incomes becomes more unequal, with some people becoming much richer and others becoming much poorer, this can impact the demand for certain products. For example, if the rich become richer, they may be more willing to purchase luxury goods, leading to an increase in demand for those products. On the other hand, if the poor become poorer, they may not be able to afford certain goods, leading to a decrease in demand.
IV. Changes in levels of taxation can impact demand by affecting the disposable income of consumers. If taxes increase, consumers may have less disposable income, leading to a decrease in demand for certain goods and services. Conversely, if taxes decrease, consumers may have more disposable income, leading to an increase in demand for certain products.
Therefore, the answer is: I, II, III, IV, since all four factors can account for changes in demand.