Taylor, Microeconomics 2E

Chapter 9: The Rise and Fall of Industries


New Economy Business Models - Amazon.com & E*TRADE

Explore the services offered by the selected "new economy" businesses: Amazon.com and E*TRADE.

  • Describe how new technology such as the Internet enables "new economy" businesses to emerge and challenge the existing businesses (e.g. Amazon.com vs. Borders and E*TRADE vs. Merrill Lynch).
  • Which "new economy" attributes convinced a large number of investors that "new economy" businesses would generate a higher level of profit than traditional or "old economy" businesses?
  • Visit ebay.com. Explain why eBay enjoys the benefits of positive network feedback or externalities.