No they don't. That is the very definition.
reply>> People often confuse “free” with “unregulated”, too. >No they don't. That is the very definition.
replyUsing that definition amounts to classifying all real markets as non-free.
Unregulated markets cannot exists in reality or in a sound theory, only in wishy-washy fairy tales.
My understanding of the definition of a "free" market is it would have almost no external regulation.
replyHowever, a "unregulated free market" is nearly impossible--somw player will eventually drive out competition to maximize profits and some will not be troubled at harming or killing their customers in the name of immediate profit (tobacco, sugared drinks, talc powder, and round-up come to mind immediately but the list is very long).
Is market with enough regulations to ensure competitiveness and transaction transparency (including long-term consequences) truly "free"?