Equilibrium
Market equilibrium occurs where the demand curve intersects the supply curve, meaning the quantity consumers demand equals the quantity firms supply at a particular price (called the equilibrium price). At this price, there is neither excess supply nor excess demand, and the market 'clears'.
Real World
During the 2021 used car shortage, prices surged as demand outstripped supply — once new car production recovered in 2023, prices fell back as the market moved toward a new equilibrium.
Exam Focus
Always label equilibrium price (Pe) and quantity (Qe) on diagrams — unlabelled axes lose marks.
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