Friday, June 10, 2011

Three Markets

I would like to see a competant economist (not an oxymoron) analyze what has happened and may happen in three markets, namely housing, higher education, and medical care.  They have several things in common including being important parts of the economy which have experienced periods of major price increases and are subject to significant government meddling.  In the case of housing a culprit was subprime loans and the bubble has burst.  Higher education is affected by government-guaranteed loans, grants, and state budgets.  Medical costs ballooned as a result of Medicare and Medicaid.  Admittedly technology also had an effect.

Easy credit increases demand and supply cannot keep up.  Each has unique features.  Higher Education is something of a sacred cow with various degrees lumped together.  Everyone believes they are entitled to the best medical care regardless of their ability to pay and there isn't enough best medical care to go around.  Housing was something of a Ponzi scheme.

There is a fourth major growing market, namely government service.

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