Which is a defining characteristic of a monopolistic market?

In a monopolistic market, one defining characteristic is that firms have the ability to set the price they charge for their products. This is largely due to the lack of competition within the market; a monopolistic firm is the sole provider of a good or service with no close substitutes. Because consumers do not have alternative options to purchase from, the monopolist can influence the market price by adjusting the quantity of their product supplied.

This pricing power is a critical aspect of a monopoly, as it allows the firm to maximize profits by reducing output to increase prices above what would be seen in a competitive market. Unlike in perfectly competitive markets, where firms are price takers and must accept the market price, a monopolist can strategically choose its price based on its perceived demand curve, leading to higher potential profits.

In contrast, firms having no control over prices, competing with identical products, or having prices set by government does not apply in a monopolistic market scenario. These aspects are more indicative of competitive or regulatory environments rather than a monopoly.