External Influences - Markets

Markets include the labour market, financial markets and consumer markets. 

Changes in each of the markets can influence business decisions and the success / failure of businesses.

Labour market: The skills sets, level of specialisation and availability of skilled labour in a nation impacts business activity. Businesses in certain industries can struggle to find recruits with required skill sets (skills shortage).

Financial market: The movement of international capital through FOREX (currency exchange markets), stock exchanges, bond markets. 

Consumer market: The desires and actions of consumers (nationally and globally) are in continual change. Globalisation, fragmented media consumption and rise of customisation increase challenges of firms.