Collusion among members of a particular trade to maintain prices at a set level is called?

The correct answer is price fixing. Price fixing occurs when competitors in a trade or industry agree to set prices at a certain level rather than letting the market determine those prices. This practice is illegal in many jurisdictions, including under U.S. antitrust laws, because it undermines free market competition and can lead to higher prices for consumers.

In contrast, market manipulation refers to actions taken to artificially influence the price of a commodity or security, which might not necessarily involve direct agreement on pricing among competitors. Price gouging refers to the practice of raising prices on essential goods and services during emergencies or crises, often to exploit consumers. Price discrimination involves charging different prices to different customers for the same product or service based on certain criteria, which can lead to unfair practices but does not involve setting prices collectively among competitors.

Understanding the nuances of these terms is crucial in the context of real estate and trade regulations, as they highlight the importance of fair competition and the legal implications of collusive behavior.