Sydney Sweeney & Market Mechanisms | LBC

Sydney Sweeney in her American Eagle campaign.

Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle advertisement, titled "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans", has caused quite the stir. Critics have said the billboard's play on "genes" versus "jeans" echoed eugenics-era slogans, whereas supporters have claimed said it was simply a lighthearted marketing gimmick.

This one ad campaign sent its stock soaring 28 percent in premarket trading, boosting market cap by $200 million in a single session.

What does this tell us about the market? If you find the joke appalling, unfunny, or in bad-taste, you can show your preference by not purchasing products from American Eagle. If you thought the ad was funny, clever, and you want to wear the same jeans as the gorgeous Sydney Sweeney, then you are free to purchase them.

This entire debacle really speaks to why free markets are so great. Whatever your views, no one can force you to financially support something you don't like.

Reem Ibrahim discussed this on LBC with presenter Rachel Johnson.

Listen to the show on LBC Catch up here.