What is shift in demand curve?

A shift in the demand curve occurs when there is a change in demand for a good or service at every price level, caused by factors other than the price of the good itself. These factors include:

• Income: Higher income increases demand for normal goods, shifting the curve rightward.
• Consumer preferences: Changes in tastes or trends can shift demand.
• Prices of related goods: Substitutes (e.g., tea vs. coffee) or complements (e.g., cars and petrol) affect demand.
• Expectations: Anticipation of future price changes or income shifts demand now.
• Number of buyers: More consumers increase demand.

Unlike movement along the curve (caused by price changes), a shift results in a new demand schedule, altering equilibrium price and quantity. The curve moves rightward for increased demand and leftward for decreased demand.