When people talk about the market in the field of economics, what they refer to is the number of sellers and buyers in the area.
A lot of things depend on the market. For example, the cost of the item, the value of the material, and the demand for the item- everything depends on the market. This is why many people research the market before starting their venture.
Now, there is something that you should know. There are different types of markets. They can be classified based on nature and competition levels that exist. Based on the structure of the market, the economy changes.
Some of the most common and famous markets that exist globally are Stock markets, financial markets, foreign exchange markets, and media markets. In this article, I will guide you through the financial market details.
If you want to know about financial markets and the types of financial markets then keep reading…
What Is Financial Market?
This topic is something that I have been asked a lot of times. But unfortunately, the topic of financial markets is also something that people can easily misunderstand. So that is the reason why I am going to be as explanatory as possible.
A Financial market refers to an area or a marketplace where the trading of stocks, bonds, and other derivatives is done. This type of market is an exception, as unlike other marketplaces of the economy, this one exists physically.
In other words, the financial market is a physical location where several purchases and tradings regarding stocks and bonds are made. Therefore, this type of market helps to raise the finance of the country.
Financial markets are known to trade on all forms of securities that are essential from the smooth functioning of the capitalist society.
These assets are either exchanged or traded OTC (over-the-counter). If in case the market fails, it results in recessions and other economic disruptions like unemployment.
There are many types of financial markets. To get to know about them in detail, keep reading…
Types Of Financial Markets
When we talk about the financial market, certain things come to our minds. For example, we think of all the things that are related to it, like stocks, bonds, and other derivatives.
Based on all these, the financial market is divided into certain categories. The different types of financial markets in India are:
1. Bond Market
This form of financial market offers opportunities for most companies to secure the money or capital that is needed to finance the.
Most of the time, debts and other securities that the government issues are dealt with in this form of market. The return and the risks that are associated with the bond market may vary.
The risk is interlinked with the credit of the issuer. One thing that remains constant is the fact that the rate of interest is directly proportional to the credit risk.
The bonds in a bond market are more like promises that are made to the companies or government to repay the amount within a fixed period. The companies have to pay the principal price or amount for the settlement.
2. Stock Market
The stock market is probably omnipresent in the financial markets. These are physical places where companies and businesses come together to list their shares and stocks. These are then sold and bought by the investors or the traders.
The companies use this form of market to raise capital with the help of an IPO or initial public offering. You can learn more about buying an IPO here. The shares of this are traded in the secondary market.
3. Derivatives
A derivative or a derivative market is a form of the financial market where the contracts or derivatives are traded based on the present value of the market. The firms have the power to either deal in futures, contracts, options, or swaps.
In other words, derivatives are a form of a financial marketplace where the two parties meet and agree to trade certain financial assets. It is worthless in itself. However, they are more like secondary securities that are very important to the economy of a country.
4. Commodity Market
These are more like venues where the consumers and the producers come together to exchange or trade physical goods and commodities. In other words, this form of financial market deals with several physical assets like oil, rice, wheat, or even gold.
As the price of these commodities is never fixed and is subject to change due to several external factors around the world, a separate physical market is made for these commodities.
Financial Markets: Functions
When it comes to the functions of a financial market, the list is almost endless. But let me try to point out some of the major functions of a financial marketplace. Some of the most important functions of a financial market are:
- It helps to determine the securities and the price of these securities
- It helps to lower the cost or price of transactions
- It makes sure that the savings are put into much productive use
- It helps to make the financial assets much more flexible
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
There are several types of financial markets. However, two of the primary forms of financial markets are the Capital market and the Money Market.
However, when dealt with in detail, one may find that there are many forms of the financial market. Some of them are Stock Market, Bond markets, OTC (Over-the-counter) markets, derivative markets, and Money markets.
Financial markets are physical marketplaces where securities, bonds, stocks, and other derivatives are traded.
Here, the buyers and the sellers trade all forms of financial instruments like stocks, bonds, and equities of numerous international currencies. This form of market is extremely important for the economy of a nation.
The financial market is one of the major and most crucial elements of a capitalist society. This market ensures a low cost of information and transactions.
It also provides the investors with the tools to invest and sell and the security to deal with all major financial assets. It further provides all the necessary facilities to ensure that there is an interaction between the borrowers and the investors.
When it comes to the financial markets, the participants are mainly investors and speculators of the market and economy.
There are brokers, hedgers, and arbitrageurs, for example, who play a major role in the financial market apart from the direct investors and the buyers.
Wrapping Up!
A financial market is a form of a where securities, bonds, and stocks are traded. It is one of the main and crucial markets in the world, and the economy of the countries depend on it.
One of the most important functions of the financial market is to ensure that the price of the securities is always available in the market. The performance of the assets determines the money or the capital.
In this form of market, the traders, the investors, and the buyers come together to make transactions regarding the liquid assets and make sure that the securities are traded in time.
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