What is a market economy?

A market economy is a system in which production of goods and services is determined by supply and demand. In a market economy, interactions between consumers and businesses determine what is available and at what price. This is in contrast to a command economy, in which a central government sets production levels and costs.

What is an example of a market economy?

The United States is an example of a market economy. It has a central bank, the Federal Reserve, that attempts to influence the overall direction of the economy. It has a Congress that can pass legislation to boost economic activity or protect consumers. But the main driver of the economy is the law of supply and demand.

Is a market economy a planned or command economy?

In this system, factors like investments and the production, distribution, and pricing of goods and services are led by supply and demand from businesses and individuals. As such, a market economy is unplanned and is not part of a planned or command economy where the government dictates all of these factors.