Alden Abbott

1 week ago | truthonthemarket.com | Brian Albrecht |Alden Abbott |Eric Fruits

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ongoing antitrust case against Meta has brought network effects into the spotlight, as the agency’s complaint and opening statement both lean heavily on networks as a source of competitive harm. But the commission’s arguments fundamentally misunderstand how network effects interact with competition in digital markets. Far from being solely anticompetitive moats, network effects create nuanced competitive dynamics that the FTC fails to acknowledge.

1 week ago | forbes.com | Alden Abbott

Anticompetitive regulatory distortions are a major drag on the U.S. economy. President Trump’s April 9 Executive Order on Reducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory Barriers has the potential to drive dramatic U.S. economic growth. Implementation of the executive order may be expected to face legal challenges and opposition from special interests who benefit from the status quo. A substantial reduction in federal regulatory burdens could benefit American businesses and families directly.

2 weeks ago | forbes.com | Alden Abbott

The Trump Administration is reported to be taking a second look at the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s largest steelmaker, Nippon Steel. Approval of this merger, which had been blocked in January by the Biden Administration, could help enhance the efficiency and competitive vitality of a major player in the strategically important American steel industry.

2 weeks ago | forbes.com | Alden Abbott

The possible ramifications of currently are drawing headlines. Tariffs are a linchpin in an expansive Trump “America First Trade Policy” that aims to reshape U.S. trade relations. Even more broadly, other Trump Administration initiatives, including tax, energy, and regulatory policies, also will have a major impact on American economic performance. The economic case for implementing those other policies is more straightforward than the case for tariffs.

2 weeks ago | openlegalblogarchive.org | Alden Abbott

President Donald Trump dismissed Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter last month as members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), citing his authority under Article II of the U.S. Constitution. The two former commissioners responded that the dismissals were illegal and that they would sue for reinstatement.