Economists INK: Winter 2018
This issue discusses the European Commission’s (“EC”) ruling that Google abused its dominance in the internet search market, recent suits alleging collusive conduct by securities dealers and prime brokers, and the proposed consolidation of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”) with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”). Dr. Yeap discusses Google’s appeal of the EC’s ruling and the key points of contention between Google and the EC. Dr. Gurrea and Dr. Neuberger discuss recent suits that claim securities dealers and prime brokers engaged in collusive conduct in certain financial markets to prevent entry of more efficient trading platforms. To the extent these claims are true, they conclude that the alleged collusive behavior would undermine competition-based market changes towards more efficient and safer financial markets. Dr. Greulich discusses the proposed consolidation of the OFCCP with the EEOC, finding it unlikely that this proposed consolidation will have an imminent effect on existing or potential federal contractors and that the federal government will continue to rely on statistical tests in some degree to monitor contractor compliance.