A free market is a market where the price of a good or service is, in theory, determined by supply and demand, rather than by governmental regulation. A free market contrasts with a controlled market or regulated market, where price, supply or demand are subject to regulation or direct control by government. An economy composed entirely of free markets is referred to as a free-market economy.
Although in contemporary usage free markets are commonly associated with capitalism, free markets have been advocated by socialists and have been included in various different proposals for market socialism.
Read more about Free Market: Overview, Studies, Misconceptions, Criticisms
Famous quotes containing the words free and/or market:
“... that phrase of mischievous sophistry, all men are born free and equal. This false and futile axiom, which has done, is doing, and will do so much harm to this fine country ...”
—Frances Trollope (17801863)
“Forbede us thing, and that desiren we;
Preesse on us faste, and thanne wol we flee.
With daunger oute we al oure chaffare:
Greet prees at market maketh dere ware,
And too greet chepe is holden at litel pris.”
—Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?1400)