In: Economics
Suppose that households’ wealth substantially increases.
Using the capital market diagram (which shows the desired capital stock), show the effects of the change in wealth on MPK (demand for capital) and the user cost of capital (supply of capital).
The capital market diagram shows the relationship between desired capital stock and MPK and user cost of capital. The determination of the desired stock of capital is illustrated in figure where on the X-axis we measure capital stock and on the Y-axis we measure MPK and rental cost of capital. As long as the marginal product of capital (MPK) is greater than the rental price or user cost of capital, it pays the firm to add to its stock of capital.
It can be seen from Figure that marginal product of capital is diminishing as there is increase in the stock of capital. Thus the firm will continue adding to the stock of capital (i.e. continue making investment) until the marginal product of capital (MPK) is equal to the rental price of capital.When the level of output or national income is expected to increase the whole curve of marginal product of capital (MPK) will shift to the right as shown in Figure.