What happens in the market for beef jerky if customers expect a price increase in the future?

• A. Demand shifts to the left
• B. Demand shifts to the right
• C. Supply shifts to the left
• D. Supply shifts to the right

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of expectations: When consumers expect the price of a good to increase in the future, they are likely to purchase more of it now to avoid paying a higher price later.
2. Analyze the demand side: If consumers expect a future price increase, the current demand for beef jerky will increase as consumers try to buy more before the price goes up.
3. Determine the direction of the demand shift: An increase in current demand due to future price expectations will cause the demand curve to shift to the right.
4. Consider the supply side: The problem does not provide information about changes in production costs or technology, so the supply curve remains unchanged in this scenario.
5. Conclude the market effect: The primary effect of consumers expecting a future price increase is a rightward shift in the demand curve, leading to a higher equilibrium price and quantity in the current market.