A market economy is a system where the production and distribution of goods and services are determined by the laws of supply and demand. Alternately, some synonyms for a market economy include a free market, capitalism, laissez-faire economy, or a market-oriented economy. In a market economy, producers are free to create products that they believe will be in demand and consumers can freely choose to purchase these products. It is a system where government intervention is minimal and the economy is driven by competition and profit motives. While a market economy is often associated with economic growth and innovation, it can also result in income inequality and market failures.