In Europe, and I guess in America too, there are bars which price their drinks according to how well they're selling, and show this on screens around the bar. Why not apply this idea to the entire market, according to recent sales in the country? This would ensure a fair price when you buy a car, peanuts, anything. In the words of Lee Majors' doctor: "We have the technology..."
-- git, Jul 17 2003

Isn't this how it already works? If the market's in a slump, the lending rates get lowered in order to encourage spending?
-- snarfyguy, Jul 17 2003


This actually is how barter systems work, although they also tie in how good you are at negotiating the price (another feature of the stock market, of course, so it fits).

And it is how the present system works for buying a car or similar item where the price must be arrived at by negotiation.

I think it would be tiring to have to negotiate for every little bag of peanuts, though, which is probably why prices are generally fixed for small ticket items.
-- DrCurry, Jul 17 2003


What if someone corners the market, (not with a car) by purchasing and holding huge amounts of quality scotch?
-- thumbwax, Jul 17 2003


[tw]: Are you trying to trick me into referring to the song "Scotch Corner" by the Welsh uber-psych band Man?
-- snarfyguy, Jul 18 2003


As Dr. Curry SAays, this is already done (even for peanuts long-term), it just makes the market trends take immediate effect. /ravenswood/- the benefits, as described initially if you read it, are that prices are fairer.
-- git, Jul 18 2003


[ravenswood]: That confused me too. The category indicates the stock market, but the idea itself seems like it's talking about the market for whatever products.
-- snarfyguy, Jul 21 2003



random, halfbakery