Which of the following characteristics is prevalent in oligopolies?

• A. Firms are interdependent in their decision-making
• B. There are a large number of small firms
• C. Firms have no control over market price
• D. Products are always perfectly differentiated

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an oligopoly: it is a market structure characterized by a few firms that dominate the market.
2. Recognize that in an oligopoly, firms are interdependent, meaning the decisions of one firm affect the decisions and outcomes of the others.
3. Compare the given options with the characteristics of oligopolies: a large number of small firms is typical of perfect competition, not oligopoly.
4. Note that firms in an oligopoly do have some control over price, unlike in perfect competition where firms are price takers.
5. Understand that products in oligopolies can be either differentiated or homogeneous, so 'always perfectly differentiated' is not a necessary characteristic.