American markets have become less free due to decreased competition. They have returned more earnings to shareholders and put less money into investment. Investment spurs growth in the economy. Increased profit margins decrease other economic activity, such as buying, which has a ripple effect. Thus, this lack of competition in markets has come at the expense of the people. The lack of competition is primarily due to the entrenched interests erecting barriers to entry via excessive regulation (or not enough regulation). Mergers have increased and antitrust actions have decreased. Barriers to entry for new businesses are high and increasing. Author claims Europe has shown that properly regulating markets via antitrust actions and independent regulators can ensure competition in markets and decreases in prices to consumers.