3. The beer industry has seen a gradual increase from three major sellers (in 1990) to several hundred. Meanwhile, the number of cigarette manufacturers has stayed relatively constant. Although both goods are considered vices and thus unpopular, the industries have moved in different direc- tions. What economic theory can you suggest to explain this difference? (“Cigarettes have a negative reputation" is not a sufficient answer, as drinking is also considered a vice.)​

You are an employee of an u.s. firm that produces personal computers in thailand and then exports them to the united states and other countries for sale. the personal computers were originally produced in thailand to take advantage of relatively low labor costs and a skilled workforce. other possible locations considered at that time were malaysia and hong kong. the u.s. government decides to impose punitive 100% ad valorem tariffs on imports of computers from thailand to punish the country for administrative trade barriers that restrict u.s. exports to thailand. how do you think your firm should respond? what does this tell you about the use of targeted trade barriers?

Afirm’s production function is represented by q(m,r) = 4m 3/4r1/3, where q denotes output, m raw materials, and r robots. the firm is currently using 6 units of raw materials and 12 robots. according to the mrts, in order to maintain its output level the firm would need to give up 2 robots if it adds 9 units of raw materials. (a) true (b) false

You are purchasing a bond that currently sold for $985.63. it has the time-to-maturity of 10 years and a coupon rate of 6%, paid semi-annually. the bond can be called for $1,020 in 3 years. what is the yield to maturity of this bond?