Law of Supply and Demand

Search Dictionary

Definition of 'Law of Supply and Demand'

The law of supply and demand is an economic principle that states that the price of a good or service is determined by the interaction of supply and demand. In other words, the higher the demand for a good or service, the higher the price will be, and the lower the demand, the lower the price will be.

There are a number of factors that can affect supply and demand, including:

* The cost of production: If the cost of producing a good or service increases, then the supply of that good or service will decrease, which will lead to an increase in price.
* The availability of substitutes: If there are a number of substitutes for a good or service, then the demand for that good or service will be lower, which will lead to a decrease in price.
* The income of consumers: If consumers have more money to spend, then they will be more likely to buy goods and services, which will lead to an increase in demand and an increase in price.
* The expectations of consumers: If consumers expect the price of a good or service to increase, then they will be less likely to buy it now, which will lead to a decrease in demand and a decrease in price.

The law of supply and demand is a fundamental principle of economics, and it has a significant impact on the prices of goods and services. By understanding the law of supply and demand, businesses can make more informed decisions about pricing their products and services.

Here are some examples of how the law of supply and demand works in practice:

* If there is a shortage of a particular good or service, then the price of that good or service will increase. For example, if there is a natural disaster that destroys a large number of crops, then the price of food will increase.
* If there is an abundance of a particular good or service, then the price of that good or service will decrease. For example, if a new technology makes it possible to produce a good or service more efficiently, then the price of that good or service will decrease.
* If the demand for a good or service increases, then the price of that good or service will increase. For example, if a new product is introduced that is very popular, then the price of that product will increase.
* If the demand for a good or service decreases, then the price of that good or service will decrease. For example, if a popular product is discontinued, then the price of that product will decrease.

The law of supply and demand is a complex principle, but it is one of the most important concepts in economics. By understanding the law of supply and demand, businesses can make more informed decisions about pricing their products and services.

Do you have a trading or investing definition for our dictionary? Click the Create Definition link to add your own definition. You will earn 150 bonus reputation points for each definition that is accepted.

Is this definition wrong? Let us know by posting to the forum and we will correct it.