JAMB UTME - Economics - 2023

The development of an economic hypothesis through intuition, insight, or logic is associated with

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Normative economics is a perspective on economics that reflects normative, or ideologically prescriptive judgments toward economic development, investment projects, statements, and scenarios. It expresses ideological judgments about what may results in economic activity if public policy changes are made.

The type of price elasticity of demand for a commodity whose quantity demanded remain unchanged despite changes in the price is

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The type of price elasticity of demand for a commodity whose quantity demanded remains unchanged despite changes in the price is **perfectly inelastic**. When the demand for a commodity is perfectly inelastic, it means that the quantity demanded does not respond at all to changes in price. This usually occurs when there are no close substitutes for the commodity, or when the commodity is a necessity that people cannot easily do without. To understand it in a simple way, imagine a situation where the price of a life-saving medication for a critical illness increases significantly. In such a case, even if the price increases, the quantity demanded for the medication will remain the same because the individuals who need it have no other option but to purchase it at any cost. Therefore, the demand for such a medication is perfectly inelastic, as it does not change with variations in price. In summary, when the demand for a commodity is perfectly inelastic, it means that consumers are willing to pay any price for it, and the quantity demanded does not change despite fluctuations in price.

Suppose the public expenditure as a percentage of GDP of four countries is shown in the table below

Which type of economy exists in these countries?

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The type of economy that exists in these countries is Mixed economy.

A mixed economy is an economic system that combines elements of both market and planned economies. It includes both private and public sectors, and the government plays a significant role in regulating and defining the structure of the economy.

In the given scenario, the fact that the countries have different levels of public expenditure as a percentage of GDP indicates that the government plays a role in the economy and is involved in spending a portion of the national income.

While the exact percentage of public expenditure varies between the countries, the presence of any public expenditure suggests government intervention and regulation in the economy. This means that these countries have a mixed economy, where both public and private sectors coexist and contribute to economic activities.

The government's involvement can take various forms, such as funding public goods and services, implementing social programs, and regulating industries. The level of government intervention may vary, but the presence of public expenditure indicates that the government has an active role in shaping the economy.

Therefore, based on the information provided, it can be concluded that the countries mentioned in the table have a mixed economy.

From the graph below, Point "E" shows--------------

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Point 'E" inside the graph indicates it is technologically inefficient" , Underemployed" or wide spread unemployent" or resources are not fully utilized or production inefficient"

The diagram above represent

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The diagram above represent a monopolist diagram.

One major problem facing West African countries is

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One of the major problem of West African state is the relation of West African states with the colonial masters.

Which of the following is NOT one of the characteristics of developing countries?

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Mono- product economy ( an economy that produces one product or commodity) is not a characteristics of developing country. The characteristics are: high level of illiteracy, dependence on agriculture, low savings and investment, low standard of living, population explosion, high death rate etc.

All of the following describes conditions necessary for existence of a perfect market EXCEPT

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A perfect market is a theoretical concept that represents an idealized scenario where certain conditions are met. In this market, there is an equilibrium between supply and demand, and no single buyer or seller has the power to influence prices. In order for a perfect market to exist, there are several conditions that need to be met. These conditions include: - **Lack of homogeneity of goods**: In a perfect market, goods are assumed to be identical and indistinguishable from one another. This means that there are no variations in quality, features, or brand identity. Buyers are indifferent to which seller they purchase from since the goods are the same. - **Perfect knowledge**: Another crucial condition is that all buyers and sellers in the market have access to complete and accurate information. This means they know the current market prices, availability of goods, and all relevant factors influencing the buying and selling decisions. No hidden or asymmetric information exists that could give an advantage to any market participant. - **Large buyers and sellers**: A perfect market assumes that there are a significant number of buyers and sellers in the market. This ensures that no single buyer or seller has enough market power to influence prices or control the market conditions. Each participant is a price taker, meaning they accept the prevailing market price and cannot change it on their own. - **Portability of goods**: The final condition for a perfect market is the ease with which goods can be transported from one place to another. This means that there are no significant barriers to trade, such as transportation costs, tariffs, or restrictions. Goods can freely move between buyers and sellers, allowing for efficient market operations. Now, looking at the given options, we need to identify the one that does NOT describe a condition necessary for the existence of a perfect market. And that would be **"lack of homogeneity of goods"**. In a perfect market, goods are assumed to be identical and indistinguishable. This means that there are no variations in quality or features. Homogeneity is a vital characteristic of a perfect market, so the lack of it would hinder the existence of a perfect market. In summary, the conditions required for a perfect market are: perfect knowledge, large buyers and sellers, and portability of goods. While homogeneity of goods is a necessary condition for a perfect market, it is not described in the options as a condition necessary for the existence of a perfect market.

.............is presently used in Nigeria to measure inflation

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The measure that is presently used in Nigeria to measure inflation is the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI is a commonly used indicator worldwide to track changes in the cost of living over time.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average price changes of a basket of goods and services typically purchased by households in a specific country or region. It reflects the price movements of essential items such as food, housing, transportation, healthcare, education, and many other goods and services that people consume regularly.
The CPI is calculated by collecting price data for various items in the basket and assigning them weights based on their relative importance in household spending. The prices are then compared to a base period, which is usually a specific year. The percentage change in the CPI from the base period indicates the rate of inflation or deflation.
In Nigeria, the CPI is used to monitor and analyze changes in the cost of goods and services, allowing policymakers and economists to assess the impact on consumers' purchasing power and make informed decisions. It helps in determining the effectiveness of government policies, evaluating the performance of the economy, and adjusting wages and prices.
By tracking the CPI, the government can identify if there is an increase in the general level of prices, indicating inflation, or a decrease, indicating deflation. This information helps in formulating monetary and fiscal policies to control inflation rates and maintain price stability.
Overall, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the measure currently used in Nigeria to gauge inflation and is crucial in understanding how the cost of living changes over time, impacting the economy and the daily lives of individuals and businesses.

Multiplier can be described as

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A multiplier is a factor of proportionality that measures how much an endogenous variable changes in response to a change in some exogenous variable such as investment, consumption, government expediture etc.

Macroeconomics focuses on the following units in an aggregative manner

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Macroeconomics focuses on the units of an economy in an aggregative manner, meaning it looks at the economy as a whole rather than focusing on individual units. This helps us understand how different parts of the economy interact and influence each other.
The correct option is **household, firms, government, corporate sector, and external sector**. Macroeconomics analyzes the behavior and interactions of these units to understand the overall performance of the economy.
1. **Households**: These are the individual consumers who make up the economy. They play a vital role in determining the consumption and saving patterns that influence economic activities.
2. **Firms**: Firms are the businesses that produce goods and services in the economy. Macroeconomics looks at their investment decisions, production levels, and employment to understand the overall economic growth and productivity.
3. **Government**: The government plays a significant role in macroeconomics. It collects taxes, provides public goods and services, regulates the economy, and influences economic policies such as fiscal and monetary measures to stabilize the economy.

4. **External sector**: The external sector represents international trade and the flow of goods, services, and capital across borders. Macroeconomics considers factors like exports, imports, exchange rates, and foreign investment to understand the impact of global interactions on the economy.
By examining these units in an aggregative manner, macroeconomics helps us understand how changes in one sector affect the others and ultimately impact the overall performance of the economy.

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An example of a free good is water in the ocean.

A free good is a good that is available in unlimited supply and does not require any payment or exchange to obtain it.

In the case of water in the ocean, it is freely available and accessible to anyone. It is not owned by anyone and does not require any payment to access or use it. Therefore, it can be considered a free good.

On the other hand, free education, dinner you did not pay for, and your rented apartment are not examples of free goods.

Free education typically refers to education that is provided without direct payment by the student. While it may be free for the student, someone is still paying for it, such as the government or private institutions.

A dinner that you did not pay for may seem free to you, but someone, such as a friend or a host, is still paying for it. The cost of that dinner is borne by someone else, even if it is not you.

Similarly, a rented apartment is not a free good because it involves a transaction where you pay for the use of the apartment. You enter into a contractual agreement with the landlord and pay rent in exchange for living in the apartment.

Real cost is

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Real cost is the cost of producing a good or service, including the cost of all resources used and the cost of not employing those resources in alternative uses.

The rate of output per worker (or group of workers) per unit time is called

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The correct answer is labour productivity.
Labour productivity refers to the rate at which output is produced by a worker or a group of workers in a given amount of time. It measures how efficiently and effectively workers are using their skills, time, and resources to produce goods or services.
To understand this concept, let's imagine a scenario where we have two workers producing bicycles. Worker A is able to produce 5 complete bicycles in one hour, while Worker B can only produce 3 complete bicycles in the same amount of time.
In this case, Worker A has a higher labour productivity because they are able to produce more output (bicycles) per unit of time (one hour) compared to Worker B.
Labour productivity is an essential measure for companies and economies because it directly impacts their profitability and competitiveness. Higher labour productivity means that more goods or services can be produced using the same amount of resources or in less time. This leads to lower costs per unit and can result in higher profits or the ability to lower prices for customers.
In summary, labour productivity is a measure of how efficiently workers are producing goods or services and is calculated by dividing the total output by the number of workers or the amount of time it took to produce that output.

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The marginal propensity to consume (MPC) is a measure of how much of an increase in income is typically spent on consumption. It is represented by the symbol c or ΔC/ΔY. To explain it simply, the MPC tells us the proportion of additional income that is used for consumption rather than saving or other purposes. For example, if the MPC is 0.8, it means that for every additional unit of income, 0.8 units are typically spent on consumption. The MPC can also be understood as the slope of the consumption function. The consumption function is a mathematical relationship between income and consumption. The MPC represents how much consumption changes for a given change in income. In the equation C = C + cYd, the coefficient c represents the MPC. This equation shows that consumption (C) is determined by autonomous consumption (C) plus the product of the MPC (c) and disposable income (Yd). In summary, the MPC is a measure of how much additional income is typically used for consumption. It can be represented as ΔC/ΔY, the slope of the consumption function, or the coefficient c in the consumption equation.

Agriculture accounts for about 60% of the

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Agriculture accounts for about 60% of the active labour force in West Africa. This is because a large portion of the population in West Africa is engaged in farming and other agricultural activities for their livelihood. The other options are incorrect as agriculture does not account for 60% of the arable land, service sector activities, or the commodity market in West Africa.

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Investment multiplier (K) is a function of two factors; The MPS and MPC. If MPC is high, K will also be high but if MPC is low, K will also be low. on the other hand, If MPS is high, K will be low and if MPS is low, K will be high ( since there is an inverse relationship between MPS and K).

------------- is NOT the cause of balance of payments (BOP) deficits in Nigeria

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The causes of balance of payment deficit are: low level of agriculture, low level of technological development, inadequacies in export promotion strategy, political instability, poor social and economic infrastructure, servicing of huge external debts, existence of import dependent industries etc.

Economic problem occurs when

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The economic problem occurs when there is scarcity relative to demand. Scarcity means that resources are limited, while demand refers to people's desires and needs for goods and services. In simple terms, the economic problem arises when there are not enough resources to satisfy everyone's wants and needs. This is because resources, such as land, labor, and capital, are finite, while people's desires are infinite. For example, imagine a small community with a limited amount of food available. If everyone in the community wants to eat, but there is not enough food for everyone, it creates an economic problem. This scarcity can lead to competition, as individuals and businesses try to obtain the limited resources. The economic problem is not caused by raw materials being imported or people being out of work. These factors can contribute to a country's economic challenges, but they are not the direct cause of the economic problem. Similarly, the absence of buyers for goods is a symptom of the economic problem, rather than the cause. If people cannot afford or do not want to buy goods, it indicates a mismatch between supply and demand. However, this does not explain why the economic problem exists in the first place. In summary, the economic problem occurs when there is scarcity relative to demand, meaning there are not enough resources to fulfill everyone's wants and needs. This scarcity leads to competition and the need for individuals and businesses to make choices regarding resource allocation.

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The measure that represents the natural growth rate of a population is the **Birth rate minus the Death rate**, which is the second option. The natural growth rate of a population refers to the rate at which the population increases or decreases due to births and deaths, without taking into account migration. It solely focuses on the difference between the number of births and the number of deaths occurring within a population during a specific period of time. When the birth rate exceeds the death rate, it results in a positive natural growth rate, meaning the population is increasing. On the other hand, if the death rate is higher than the birth rate, it leads to a negative natural growth rate, indicating a decrease in the population. The first option, "Natural increase - Birth rate + Net migration," takes into account both the birth rate and the net migration (the difference between the number of people migrating into and out of a population in a specific period). This measure considers factors beyond just births and deaths, so it does not accurately represent the natural growth rate. The third option, "Birth rate/Death rate," is a ratio of the birth rate to the death rate. It does not give a measure of the natural growth rate itself, but rather shows the relationship between the number of births and the number of deaths. The fourth option, "Birth + Net migration = Death," suggests an equality between the sum of births and net migration and the number of deaths. This equation does not accurately represent the natural growth rate since it assumes that the number of births and net migration should exactly match the number of deaths, which is unlikely in most populations. Therefore, the most appropriate measure for the natural growth rate of a population is the **Birth rate minus the Death rate**.

Indicator of underdevelopment is

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An indicator of underdevelopment is low per capita income. Per capita income refers to the average income earned by individuals in a country. In underdeveloped countries, the per capita income is generally low, meaning that people have lower incomes on average compared to developed countries.
Low per capita income is a significant indicator of underdevelopment because it directly affects the standard of living of people within a country. With low income, individuals have limited purchasing power, making it difficult for them to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. This can lead to overall poor living conditions and a lack of access to essential services like healthcare and education.
Additionally, low per capita income also implies limited economic opportunities and a weak economy. It suggests that the country's productivity and industrial development are low, leading to low wages and limited job opportunities. This can result in high levels of poverty and unemployment, further hindering the country's development.
In summary, low per capita income is a crucial indicator of underdevelopment because it reflects the overall economic situation of a country and directly impacts the living conditions and opportunities available to its citizens.

If commodities X and Y are substitute, their cross elasticity of demand will be

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If commodities X and Y are substitutes, the cross elasticity of demand between them will be positive.
Cross elasticity of demand measures how the quantity demanded of one commodity changes in response to a change in the price of another commodity. When two commodities are substitutes, they serve similar purposes and are considered as alternatives to each other. For example, if the price of commodity X increases, some consumers may switch to commodity Y as a substitute, causing an increase in the quantity demanded of commodity Y.
The positive cross elasticity of demand reflects this relationship. It means that an increase in the price of commodity X will lead to an increase in the demand for commodity Y, and vice versa. On the other hand, if the cross elasticity of demand were negative, it would indicate that the two commodities are complements, meaning that they are used together and a change in the price of one would result in an opposite change in the demand for the other.
Therefore, in the case of substitute commodities, the cross elasticity of demand will be positive.

Given the table demonstrating the law of diminishing marginal utility below, what is the value of X?

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The Marginal Utility is the additional satisfaction a consumer gains from consuming one more unit of a good or service. It can be calculated by subtracting the total utility of the previous consumption from the total utility of the current consumption. In this case, the total utility of consuming 2 oranges is 16 and the total utility of consuming 1 orange is 9. Therefore, the marginal utility (X) of the second orange is 16 - 9 = 7.

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The demand for a good is price inelastic if the price elasticity is less than one. Price elasticity measures how responsive the quantity demanded of a good is to a change in its price. If the price elasticity is less than one, it means that the quantity demanded is not very responsive to changes in price. In other words, a change in price will have a relatively small impact on the quantity demanded. Even if the price increases or decreases, people will still buy a similar amount of the good. This can happen when the good is a necessity or when there are limited substitutes available. For example, if the price of water increases, people will still need to buy a similar amount because water is essential for survival. Similarly, if the price of a specific medication increases, people with no alternative options will still purchase it regardless of the price. Therefore, when the price elasticity is less than one, we say that the demand for the good is price inelastic.

A major factor contributing to productivity is

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Labour is by far the most common of the factors used in measuring productivity. One reason for this is, of course, the relatively large share of labour costs in the value of most products.

The maximum price is

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The maximum price is **P4**. To explain why, we need to understand that the prices are listed in ascending order. This means that **P1** is the lowest price and **P4** is the highest price. When we say "maximum price," we are referring to the highest possible price among the given options. In this case, **P4** is the highest price listed. Therefore, the maximum price is **P4**.

The law of supply states that, other things being constant, as price increases

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The law of supply states that, other things being constant, as price increases, the quantity supplied also increases. Basically, when the price of a good or service goes up, suppliers have an incentive to produce and sell more of that item. This is because they can earn more profit by selling at the higher price. So, as the price rises, suppliers are motivated to increase their production and offer more of the product to the market. On the other hand, when the price of a good or service decreases, suppliers have less motivation to produce and sell it. This is because they can earn less profit or even incur losses at the lower price. As a result, they will reduce the quantity supplied. In summary, the law of supply tells us that there is a direct relationship between price and quantity supplied. When the price increases, suppliers respond by increasing the quantity they are willing to supply to the market. Conversely, when the price decreases, the quantity supplied decreases.

One major criticism of foreign aid to developing countries is that it

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The loans help to create poverty, as capital that could have been invested instead was channeled into debt repayment.

Government uses all of the following ways to redistribute income, except

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The government uses various methods to redistribute income in society. Three of these ways are market intervention, transfer earnings, and taxation. Market intervention involves the government stepping in and regulating certain aspects of the economy to ensure fairness and reduce income inequality. For example, the government may set a minimum wage so that workers are guaranteed a certain level of income. Transfer earnings refer to government programs that provide financial assistance to individuals or families who are in need. These programs include welfare, unemployment benefits, and social security. The goal is to provide support to those who may have lower incomes or are facing financial difficulties. Taxation is another method used by the government to redistribute income. Through taxes, the government collects money from individuals and businesses based on their income or profits. This revenue is then used to fund public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social programs. However, the answer to the question is that the government does not use limited liability as a way to redistribute income. Limited liability is a legal concept that protects individuals from being personally liable for the debts and liabilities of a company. It is not directly related to income redistribution. In summary, the government redistributes income through market intervention, transfer earnings, and taxation. These methods aim to promote fairness and provide support to those in need. However, limited liability is not a method used for income redistribution.

The part of income after tax that is not consumed is defined as

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The part of income after tax that is not consumed is defined as saving. Saving refers to the portion of income that is not spent on immediate consumption and is instead put aside for future use.
When we receive our income, we typically have various expenses to cover, such as bills, groceries, and entertainment. After deducting these expenses and taxes, we are left with a certain amount of money. If we choose not to spend this remaining amount and instead keep it for later, we are saving that money.
Saving is important because it allows us to build up financial security and prepare for unexpected expenses or future goals. It can also be used for long-term investments, such as buying a house or planning for retirement.
In summary, saving is the part of our income that we choose to set aside rather than using it immediately for consumption.

The theory of ............... was propounded by ..................

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The theory of absolute advantage was propounded by Adam Smith while the theory of comparative advantage was propounded by David Ricardo.

What is the lowest price the monopolist can charge

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The monopolist can charge P2 price and still make profit as long as he covers his AVC. Any price below price P2, the monopoly will run at loss or shut down.

Which of the following Age group belongs to active Labour force?

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The age group that belongs to the active labor force is the **18 - 64 years** category. This age range is generally considered to be the working-age population, as it encompasses individuals who are old enough to work and have not yet reached the age of retirement. People in this age group are typically in their prime working years, where they have the physical ability and the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in the labor market. They are often seeking employment, working in various industries or sectors, and contributing to the economic growth and development of their country. It is important to note that the specific age range considered as the working-age population may vary slightly across different countries or regions. However, in most cases, it generally falls within the **18 - 64 years** age bracket. On the other hand, the other age groups mentioned in the options are not typically considered as part of the active labor force: - The **0 - 17 years** age group consists of individuals who are below the legal working age and are typically attending school or dependent on others for their livelihood. - The **15 - 25 years** age group partially overlaps with the working-age population, but it includes individuals who may still be in school or pursuing higher education. While some individuals within this age range may be actively seeking employment or working part-time, they are generally not considered as the core active labor force. - The **65 years and above** age group represents individuals who have reached the retirement age or are eligible for retirement benefits. While some individuals in this age range may continue to work, either out of choice or due to financial circumstances, they are not considered as the primary active labor force. In summary, the **18 - 64 years** age group is the one that belongs to the active labor force, consisting of individuals who are in their prime working years and actively participating in the labor market.

A ............ in the price of the domestic currency in terms of a foreign currency is referred to as .............

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Currency depreciation is a fall in the value of a currency in a floating exchange rate system. Therefore, a decrease in the price of the domestic currency in terms of a foreign currency is referred to as depreciation.

The demand for money will fall if

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If GDP falls, then people demand less money for transactions. As interest rate rise (fall), the demand for money will fall(rise).

Among all the determinants of economic growth, the most important one is

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The Gross Domestic Product is the total monetary or market value of all the goods and services produced within a country. It is used to measure the rate of growth in an economy.

The fundamental problem of economics is

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The fundamental problem of Economics is Scarcity. Scarcity explains the basic economic problem that the world has limited or scarce resources to meet seemingly unlimited wants, and this reality forces people to make decisions about how to allocate resources in the most efficient way.

An increase in total production (real GDP) causes the demand for money to ______and the interest rate to _________

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An increase in the real GDP will increase the demand for money and also the interest rate will also increase.

An industry is

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An industry is a group of firms producing similar products and under separate administration or management.

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A tariff is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. It is a financial charge that a government puts on goods that are being brought into the country. The purpose of a tariff is to protect domestic industries and businesses from competition from imported goods. By placing a tax on imported goods, it becomes more expensive for consumers to buy those goods, making them less appealing compared to domestic alternatives. This gives domestic industries a competitive advantage and helps support local businesses and jobs. So, the correct answer is imported goods.