The free market system has potential issues and pitfalls that societies should be aware of

Overview Debates Related claims Topics Sources

Capitalism is the best way to fund expensive social welfare programs

Minimum wages should rise automatically with the cost of living

Regulation is needed when a market is not performing well

Countries with more free markets perform better in many respects than countries that do not

Some economic regulation is good

Foreign investors should be barred from buying firms essential to national infrastructure

Governments should borrow for infrastructure during recessions even with high public debt

Central banks should be independent of elected governments

Employers should be required to publish salary ranges in job ads

Pension funds should prioritize financial returns over social or environmental goals

Capital gains should face the same tax rates as work income

Reducing inequality matters more than increasing average income

Intervention by communities or governments could help mitigate the negative outcomes of market economies

Large companies have engaged in immoral acts, such as using slave labor overseas and neglecting users

Everyone should receive a universal basic income

Large inheritances should be taxed more heavily than earned income

Countries should tax large fortunes annually, not only on sale or inheritance

Retail investors should be allowed to buy private-company shares without wealth thresholds

Public companies should be banned from buying back their shares

A mandatory four-day week should preserve weekly pay