A firm has zero debt in its capital structure. Its overall cost of capital is 8%. The firm is considering a new capital structure with 50% debt. The interest rate on the debt would be 5%. Assuming that the corporate tax rate is 40%, and all else is equal. including its risk profile, what would be its new cost of equity?

Brian has just finished college. he wants to set up a small business to make and sell fireworks. he registers his company and acquires a license from the government. he finds that most of his competitors are selling fireworks at an extremely low price. he would like to make more money, so he decides to innovate and develop better fireworks. he sells his fireworks at a higher price, and they are a huge hit with the customers. after a few years, he earns enough profit to set up a bigger fireworks factory that complies with the government’s health and safety regulations. he even starts exporting fireworks overseas. which type of economy does this scenario describe?