CPA Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) : Economic Markets

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Economic Markets

If the US dollar increases in value relative to other major currencies, aggregate demand should:

Possible Answers:

Depends on supply of foreign goods

Increase as US goods become more attractive overseas

Not necessarily change

Decrease as US goods become less attractive overseas

Correct answer:

Decrease as US goods become less attractive overseas

Explanation:

If the dollar gains In value, net exports will suffer as US goods become more expensive overseas, hence aggregate demand will decrease.

Example Question #2 : Economic Markets

An increase (right shift) in aggregate demand causes:

Possible Answers:

An increase in the price level and a decrease in real GDP

A decrease in the price level and a decrease in real GDP

A decrease in the price level and an increase in real GDP

An increase in the price level and an increase in real GDP

Correct answer:

An increase in the price level and an increase in real GDP

Explanation:

A right shifting increase in aggregate demand would cause an increase in the price level and increase in real GDP.

Example Question #3 : Supply And Demand

Which of the following is most likely to accompany a reduction in aggregate demand?

Possible Answers:

An increase in real GDP

An increase in the price level

A decrease in the unemployment rate

A decrease in employment

Correct answer:

A decrease in employment

Explanation:

As aggregate demand falls, the unemployment rate rises so employment would decrease.

Example Question #3 : Economic Markets

Which of the following situations best illustrates a potential horizontal merger between Companies A and B?

Possible Answers:

Both are competitors in the same industry

A operates in the financial services industry and B in the pharmaceutical industry

A is a textile manufacturer and B operates as a wholesaler for A's products

A supplies raw materials to the production processes for B

Correct answer:

Both are competitors in the same industry

Explanation:

When two companies operating in the same industry merge, it represents a horizontal merger.

Example Question #4 : Economic Markets

Pet Inc. is looking to expand its cat and dog food business in the upcoming year. After due diligence is performed, Pet Inc. identifies another company that would fulfill its strategic objective but is much larger and has various other lines of business. Which strategy should Felix management pursue given the above?

Possible Answers:

Tender offer

Purchase of assets

Merger

Acquisition

Correct answer:

Purchase of assets

Explanation:

Since the other company is much larger than Pet Inc., a purchase of assets would not only be the best option, but also the only feasible option.

Example Question #5 : Supply And Demand

When mapping out supply and demand curves, _____ could belong as the Y-axis and _____ could belong as the X-axis.

Possible Answers:

Supply, demand

Real GDP, quantity

Quantity, price level

Price level, quantity

Correct answer:

Price level, quantity

Explanation:

While the supply and demand chart can vary depending on the micro or macroeconomic viewpoint, this option is the only one that could be possible.

Example Question #171 : Cpa Business Environment And Concepts (Bec)

Under which of the following conditions is the supplier most able to influence or control buyers?

Possible Answers:

When the supplier's products are not differentiated

When the supplier does not face the threat of substitute products

When the industry is controlled by a large number of companies

When the purchasing industry is an important customer to the supplying industry

Correct answer:

When the supplier does not face the threat of substitute products

Explanation:

When there are few good substitutes for a supplier's product, the supplier has market power. As a result, the supplier is better able to control buyers and act as a price setter rather than a price taker.

Example Question #173 : Cpa Business Environment And Concepts (Bec)

When does competition not become an even stronger force impacting the profitability of a firm?

Possible Answers:

Customers do not have strong brand preferences

The market is not growing fast

The costs of exiting the market are less than the costs of continuing to operate

Various firms use various types of strategic plans

Correct answer:

The costs of exiting the market are less than the costs of continuing to operate

Explanation:

This is not a factor that would cause market competitiveness to be even stronger.

Example Question #174 : Cpa Business Environment And Concepts (Bec)

Price discrimination is accomplished most effectively in markets with which of the following characteristics?

Possible Answers:

Advanced technology capabilities that determine optimal pricing

Excess capacity that meets high demand at different price levels

High competition that generates many price changes

Fairly distinct segments of customers

Correct answer:

Fairly distinct segments of customers

Explanation:

When customers are distinct, a seller can charge different prices to different groups by justifying that the products they are buying are unique to that specific group. There is also less power from the perspective of the customer because they cannot join together as easily and bargain with the seller.

Example Question #174 : Cpa Business Environment And Concepts (Bec)

Which type of unemployment is shown when individuals do not have the qualifications or skills necessary to fill available jobs?

Possible Answers:

Structural

Frictional

Cyclical

Natural

Correct answer:

Structural

Explanation:

Structural unemployment occurs when the jobs available do not match the skills of the unemployed individuals.

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