What can lead to a leftward shift in the demand curve?

A leftward shift in the demand curve signifies a decrease in demand for a product or service at all price levels. This shift can be influenced by various factors, and the choice indicating decreased buyer expectations directly relates to this phenomenon.

When consumer expectations about future market conditions deteriorate—such as anticipating a recession or decreased future income—people are likely to spend less. This behavior leads to a reduced willingness to purchase goods and services, causing a leftward shift of the demand curve. Buyers may delay purchases, reduce their consumption, or switch to cheaper alternatives based on the belief that their financial situation will worsen.

In contrast, an increase in consumer income typically leads to increased demand for normal goods, resulting in a rightward shift of the demand curve. Population growth generally increases demand, causing a shift to the right as more potential consumers enter the market. Similarly, an increase in substitute goods usually encourages consumers to switch to these alternatives, leading to a decrease in demand for the original product, but this would generally not cause a leftward shift across the entire demand curve for that product unless substantial enough.