Income Elasticity of Demand (YED)
Income elasticity of demand shows how spending patterns change when people's incomes rise or fall. It's calculated as percentage change in quantity demanded divided by percentage change in income. This concept helps businesses understand how economic conditions affect their sales.
Positive YED means demand increases with income. Luxury items like Tesla cars or designer goods have high income elasticity - when people earn more, they splurge on these products. Basic necessities like bread have low positive YED because you can't eat much more bread just because you're richer.
Negative YED applies to inferior goods that people abandon when they can afford better alternatives. Instant noodles, value supermarket brands, and bus travel often see demand drop as incomes rise because people upgrade to fresh food, premium brands, or cars.
Business insight: Companies selling luxury goods should expect huge sales swings during economic booms and recessions, while necessity providers enjoy more stable demand.
Smart businesses use YED data to plan inventory and marketing strategies. During recessions, luxury brands might focus on their most affordable products, while value brands could see unexpected sales boosts.