Which of the following would be most likely to increase consumption spending?

• A. A rise in the price of essential goods
• B. A decrease in consumers' willingness to pay for goods and services
• C. An increase in consumer surplus due to a decrease in market prices
• D. A reduction in consumer income

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of consumption spending, which refers to the total amount of money spent by consumers on goods and services.
2. Step 2: Analyze how changes in prices affect consumer surplus. Consumer surplus is the difference between what consumers are willing to pay and what they actually pay. A decrease in market prices increases consumer surplus, allowing consumers to buy more goods or services for the same amount of money.
3. Step 3: Consider the impact of a rise in the price of essential goods. Higher prices typically reduce consumption spending because consumers have to spend more to buy the same quantity, leaving less income for other goods.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the effect of a decrease in consumers' willingness to pay. If consumers are less willing to pay, demand decreases, which usually leads to lower consumption spending.
5. Step 5: Assess the effect of a reduction in consumer income. Lower income generally reduces consumption spending because consumers have less money to spend overall.