[General] "scale" here means what?

[michael147]

The advantages of scale are already evident in the growing dominance of the biggest banks. Concentration on the debt side of the business is increasing even more rapidly than in equities. Mr Spick reckons that within three years the five biggest banks will control more than 55% of total revenue, up from less than a third in 2008. “Trading is becoming a game of attrition as weaker players shrink capacity,” says Mr Hintz. “Decisions to call it quits appear to be accelerating.” Most banks are being forced to cut back and shut businesses in those areas where they do not have scale. That is offering ample opportunity for the biggest banks to grow bigger still.

Should it be "the scale of advantages"? Thank you for your help.

 

[BobK]

The first phrase in the first sentence makes it clear. 'The scale of advantages' doesn't mean anything, except in the an unlikely context where you're talking about the relative size of various advantages - whatever that might mean.

The use of 'scale' in the last line but one is a lazy usage encouraged by MBA courses. When I was a lad, scale didn't mean bigness I'm afraid a lot of people use it now as if it did.

b

 

[michael147]

The first phrase in the first sentence makes it clear. 'The scale of advantages' doesn't mean anything, except in the an unlikely context where you're talking about the relative size of various advantages - whatever that might mean.

The use of 'scale' in the last line but one is a lazy usage encouraged by MBA courses. When I was a lad, scale didn't mean bigness I'm afraid a lot of people use it now as if it did.

b

I don't get your point. Can you rephrase it?

 

[Tdol]

Big banks can dominate small banks.

 

[SoothingDave]

Economies of scale - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

See here to understand the concept.

 

[BobK]

I don't get your point. Can you rephrase it?

Simply put, 'Economies/advantages... of scale' or 'differences in scale' make sense. 'Scale' is a relative, not an absolute concept. A lot of financial commentators - including your quote when it talks about having 'scale' - use it in the absolute sense.

b

 

[michael147]

Simply put, 'Economies/advantages... of scale' or 'differences in scale' make sense. 'Scale' is a relative, not an absolute concept. A lot of financial commentators - including your quote when it talks about having 'scale' - use it in the absolute sense.

b

Thank you. I get it now.