The difference between complete market failure (resulting in a missing market) and partial market failure
Markets can fail in two ways. Partial market failure means a market exists but produces the wrong amount. Complete market failure means no market forms at all.
Real World
Private flood insurance is a near-missing market in the UK — insurers largely refuse to offer it in high-risk areas because adverse selection makes it unprofitable, leaving homeowners unprotected (complete failure); meanwhile, the petrol market exists but overproduces due to ignored carbon externalities (partial failure).
Exam Focus
Use the terms 'missing market' and 'under/over-provision' precisely — conflating the two types is a common exam error that loses marks.
Price Elasticity of Demand
PED = % change in quantity demanded ÷ % change in price
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