4. Oligopoly
An Oligopoly is a market structure in which a few large firms dominate the market. These firms are interdependent, meaning the actions of one firm can significantly impact the others.
Characteristics:
- Few dominant firms.
- Products may be homogeneous or differentiated.
- High barriers to entry.
- Firms often engage in collusion or price wars.
Real-Life Example:
The automobile industry is an example of an oligopoly. A few large firms like Ford, Toyota, and Honda dominate the market, and their pricing and production decisions impact the entire industry.