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What are the pros and cons of monopolies?
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Oligopolies behave like monopolies

Concentrated oligopolies are just as bad for economic growth as monopolies
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The Argument

Oligopolies may give the appearance of competition, but generally industries with few players in repetitive games default towards cooperation. Cooperation entails limiting supply and raising prices. Research by the OECD shows that cartels and price fixing is widespread in oligopolies. Most cases involve industries with four major players. Many oligopolies don't even need to fix prices illegally and can "signal" their intentions to competitors. This is widely understood and covered in economic literature.

Counter arguments

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

This page was last edited on Sunday, 4 Nov 2018 at 17:08 UTC

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