In a market economy, how are goods primarily exchanged?

In a market economy, goods are primarily exchanged using money because it serves as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value. Money facilitates transactions by eliminating the inefficiencies of barter, where goods are exchanged directly for other goods. In a complex economy with diverse goods and services, relying solely on barter would require a double coincidence of wants, making trade cumbersome and limiting.

The use of money enables a more fluid trading environment, allowing individuals and businesses to easily buy and sell goods at agreed-upon prices. This efficiency contributes to the overall growth and development of the economy, as it allows for specialization and division of labor. As such, money plays a crucial role in helping market economies function effectively by simplifying transactions and enabling a stable measure of value over time.