Deconstructing Free Markets

The free-market system appears to be undergoing a major transformation. One of the more prominent and possibly most disturbing trends is the erosion of competitive market structures and the transparency in pricing, capacity, and demand that supports these structures. At the same time, Europe is heading toward a slow growth period sooner rather than later, and productivity may be the most important factor in helping the United States and Eurozone countries pull through during these tough times. Weak conditions are expected to continue into the summer and fall.