The laws intent is debated. Some think it is there to protect consumers. Others to protect free enterprise and eliminate the ability to manipulate a marketplace - pro consumer or not.
Lately, the outlook of protecting consumers has won out in the US, as that is what the Supremes laid out as a determining factor in the later half of the 20th century.
But it wasn't always that way. And the laws aren't written that way.
In my opinion, focusing on consumer benefit is a red herring. We are all both consumers and producers. An economy full of companies shutting out competition through market manipulation may be good when I'm trying to buy something, but it's bad when I'm trying to find work, because they can dictate whatever terms they desire in that half of my participation in the economy.
Lately, the outlook of protecting consumers has won out in the US, as that is what the Supremes laid out as a determining factor in the later half of the 20th century.
But it wasn't always that way. And the laws aren't written that way.
In my opinion, focusing on consumer benefit is a red herring. We are all both consumers and producers. An economy full of companies shutting out competition through market manipulation may be good when I'm trying to buy something, but it's bad when I'm trying to find work, because they can dictate whatever terms they desire in that half of my participation in the economy.