In a market transaction characterized by asymmetric information, which of the following is most likely to occur?

• A. Both parties have perfect information, resulting in efficient market outcomes.
• B. One party has more or better information than the other, leading to potential adverse selection or moral hazard.
• C. Government intervention is unnecessary because private markets always correct information imbalances.
• D. Prices are always set at equilibrium and there is no risk of market failure.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of asymmetric information: it occurs when one party in a transaction has more or better information than the other party.
2. Recognize that asymmetric information can lead to market inefficiencies such as adverse selection, where the party with less information makes poor choices, and moral hazard, where one party takes risks because they do not bear the full consequences.
3. Evaluate the given options by comparing them to the definition and implications of asymmetric information.
4. Identify that the option stating 'One party has more or better information than the other, leading to potential adverse selection or moral hazard' correctly describes the typical outcome of asymmetric information.
5. Note that options suggesting perfect information, no government intervention, or always equilibrium prices ignore the problems caused by asymmetric information and are therefore incorrect.