• NothingButBits@lemmygrad.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    3
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    2 years ago

    No, things are priced according to supply and demand market rules. This is quite inefficient and often leaves the most vulnerable at the mercy of speculators, since they can manipulate markets to serve their needs.

    Look at the price of oil. Its production costs have remained stagnant in the past years, yet its price has suffered heavy fluctuations. This is what happens in the absence of economic planning.

    • Preston Maness ☭@lemmygrad.ml
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      2 years ago

      Supply and demand describe the fluctuations of the prices of commodities about their costs of production. They do not describe the prices of the commodities themselves. Oil’s demand is relatively inelastic --and its supply constrained by cartels-- and as such its price can remain detached from its costs of production, enabling super-profits.

      Suggested reading:

      • Value, Price and Profit
      • Capital Vol I