Which term describes the balancing of supply and demand to determine a fair market price?

The concept of market equilibrium refers to the state where the quantity of a good or service supplied equals the quantity demanded at a specific price level. This balance is crucial because it helps determine a fair market price—the price that buyers are willing to pay and sellers are willing to accept.

In a market, various factors can influence supply and demand, such as consumer preferences, production costs, and competition. When these factors change, the equilibrium price can also shift as suppliers and consumers react to the new conditions. Market equilibrium is vital for smooth functioning, as it minimizes excess supply (surplus) or excess demand (shortage) in the market.

Understanding market equilibrium is essential for analyzing how prices are set in the economy and how they respond to changes in external factors. This principle underscores the efficiency of free markets and the dynamic nature of economic interactions based on supply and demand.