What is the purpose of "antitrust laws"?

Antitrust laws are designed to prevent monopolies and foster competition within markets. The primary goal of these laws is to ensure that one company does not gain excessive control over a market, which can lead to reduced choices for consumers, inflated prices, and stifled innovation. By promoting competition, antitrust laws help maintain a balanced market environment where multiple firms can operate, leading to better products, services, and prices for consumers.

In contrast, regulating the prices of essential goods focuses on price controls rather than competition, which is not the direct purpose of antitrust laws. Similarly, limiting foreign investment pertains to protecting domestic industries and does not align with the objectives of fostering competition. Lastly, controlling inflation involves monetary policy and economic tools aimed at stabilizing prices across the economy, which differs from the specific focus of antitrust legislation on ensuring a competitive marketplace.