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EC311 · Intermediate Microeconomics

EC311 / TOPIC 15

5.2 Real investment and consumption

How much real investment is optimal when borrowing and lending are available?

Choose investment by NPV first, then use capital markets to time consumption.

Follow the cause and effect

  1. Write NPV(I)=−I+F(I)/(1+r).

  2. Invest while F′(I)>1+r, subject to constraints.

  3. Use post-investment wealth to solve intertemporal consumption.

The model you are using

KEY MODEL
W(I)=y₁−I+[y₂+F(I)]/(1+r)
NPV=−I+F(I)/(1+r)

Conditions for this model

Divisible project F=4√I, r=0, y₁=20,y₂=0, unrestricted credit and no risk.

The exam trap

A positive gross payoff is insufficient; compare marginal payoff with 1+r or NPV.

Connect the reasoning to the graph

What changes

  • The production opportunity frontier meets the capital-market line at slope −(1+r) before consumption is chosen.

What stays fixed

Divisible project F=4√I, r=0, y₁=20,y₂=0, unrestricted credit and no risk.

Keep these conditions throughout the comparison; change only what the case above specifies.

What to inspect

Use post-investment wealth to solve intertemporal consumption.

Compare before and after, and locate the conclusion on the graph.

5 MINUTES · TRANSFER THE IDEA

Can you explain it without the lesson?

Compare two one-year projects by NPV after r rises and explain why long-duration projects are sensitive.

Lesson references

  • Pindyck & Rubinfeld, Microeconomics, 9th Global ed., pp. 583–584
  • Varian, Intermediate Microeconomics, 8th ed., pp. 182–183
  • Original two-period investment/consumption synthesis under stated capital-market assumptions
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