Matt Stoller, Research Director for AELP, discusses the impact of monopolies on the economy, market consolidation in grocery shopping, and the illusion of choice created by big conglomerates. He explores economic termites driving up costs and inflation, emphasizing the need for political solutions to address power dynamics and bring fairness to the marketplace.
Small price increases from economic termites can lead to significant market impacts.
Algorithms enable price coordination and consolidation, affecting consumer choice and market competition.
Deep dives
Understanding Economic Termites
The podcast delves into the concept of 'economic termites,' small factors that lead to rising prices and economic challenges. Matt Stoller introduces the term, highlighting how seemingly insignificant price increases, like those driven by industrial gas companies, can have widespread impacts across various industries. Consolidation and monopoly power contribute significantly to this economic phenomenon, as firms gain control over markets and dictate terms, affecting pricing and competition.
Effects of Technology and Algorithms
Technology, specifically algorithms, plays a crucial role in the economic landscape by enabling price coordination and consolidation even in seemingly diverse markets. RealPage's pricing software for big landlords exemplifies this, where algorithms drive pricing decisions across a significant portion of the market. The use of algorithms and technology facilitates price increases and consolidation, impacting consumer choice and market competition.
Addressing Economic Challenges
The podcast discusses how awareness and action can address economic consolidation issues. Legal action, such as antitrust suits against monopolies and cartels, signals a renewed focus on addressing consolidation's harmful effects. Advocating for consumer education and political action is emphasized as essential steps towards restoring fairness and competition in the market. By understanding power dynamics and advocating for change, individuals can contribute to a fairer marketplace.
The American economy has gotten more consolidated and more reliant on algorithms—while also, according to most people, getting more expensive, slower, and worse. Is there some causality in this correlation?
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Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.