It may be typical but it is a useful counterpoint to the idea that markets are efficient for consumers. If markets “worked” as so much propaganda insists they d

It may be typical but it is a useful counterpoint to the idea that markets are efficient for consumers. If markets “worked” as so much propaganda insists they do, banks would rush to increase interest rates, and gas stations to cut prices, when market conditions allow in order to better attract customers. In reality market inefficiencies allow predatory behavior (it takes time for consumers to notice interest rate changes; gas stations can practice soft informal forms of collusion). Free market and anti regulation advocates like to deny or avoid discussing this.