Which of the following would likely signal a surplus in a market?

A surplus in a market occurs when the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded at a given price. In this context, excess supply is the fundamental indicator of a surplus. When there are more goods available than consumers are willing or able to buy, it indicates that the market is producing beyond the equilibrium quantity, leading to unsold inventory. This situation often results from production levels that outpace consumer demand, which is best captured by the concept of excess supply. Thus, it directly defines the condition of a surplus in the market.

The other options, while they can be relevant in market dynamics, do not specifically indicate a surplus. For example, rising prices typically reflect demand outstripping supply, and higher consumer spending generally suggests a robust demand, both of which are not indicative of a surplus situation. Decreased production costs can lead to increased supply, but without an actual indication of whether that supply exceeds demand, it does not necessarily signal a surplus on its own.