Elastic
Definition of 'Elastic'A situation in which the supply and demand for a good or service can vary significantly due to the price. The elasticity of a good or service can vary according to the amount of close substitutes, its relative cost and the amount of time that has elapsed since the price change occurred. |
|
Investopedia explains 'Elastic'Companies that operate in very fierce and competitive industries provide goods or services that are very elastic because these companies tend to be price takers. For example, the airline industry is very elastic because all airlines offer a very similar service (getting passengers from point A to point B). For the most part, an airline company can't have prices that are significantly different from those of its competitors because this can result a huge loss of business to competitors. |
Related Definitions
Articles Of Interest
-
Explaining The World Through Macroeconomic Analysis
From unemployment and inflation to government policy, learn what macroeconomics measures and how it affects everyone. -
Why We Splurge When Times Are Good
The concept of elasticity of demand is part of every purchase you make. Find out how it works. -
What's the difference between macroeconomics and microeconomics?
Microeconomics is generally the study of individuals and business decisions, macroeconomics looks at higher up country and government decisions. Macroeconomics and microeconomics, and their wide ... -
Economics Basics
Learn economics principles such as the relationship of supply and demand, elasticity, utility, and more! -
Leading Economic Indicators Predict Market Trends
Leading indicators help investors to predict and react to where the market is headed. -
Great Company Or Growing Industry?
Look at the big picture when choosing a company - what you see may really be a stage in its industry's growth. -
Prisoner's Dilemma
Learn more about this classic game theory scenario. -
Is Growth Always A Good Thing?
Getting big quickly looks good, but companies can get into trouble when they do it too fast. Find out how to spot this trouble. -
What Is "Chained CPI?"
Chained CPI is one of many ways to approximate the impact of rising or falling prices to consumers' pocketbooks. -
Natural Disasters: Issues Relating To Leaves Of Absence
Small businesses are more likely to fail in the aftermath of devastation. How can you as an employee handle issues after a disaster?
Free Annual Reports