← Basic economics

Equilibrium & shocks

Markets rest at a crossing. A shock moves supply or demand, and price and quantity slide to a new crossing. Which way they move depends on which curve was hit.

  • Demand
  • Supply

Nothing has moved. The market sits at its crossing. Now £6.00 and 8 units, from £6.00 and 8 units.

Toy numbers, not a real market.

Takeaway

  • Equilibrium is a resting point, not a moral judgment.
  • Demand shocks and supply shocks move price in different directions.
  • Read the cause before guessing what happens to price.