Overview of Financial Markets | MODULE D: FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
MODULE D: FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Overview of Financial Markets
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What is a Financial Market?
A financial market is a platform or mechanism that facilitates the buying and selling of financial instruments like stocks, bonds, derivatives, currencies, and more. It helps channel savings into productive investments.
Evolution of the Financial Market
Financial markets have evolved from informal money lending practices in ancient times to formal institutions like stock exchanges and digital trading platforms. Key milestones include the formation of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange in 1602, the growth of central banks, and the advent of online trading and cryptocurrencies.
Segments of Financial Markets
Financial markets can be broadly categorized into:
- Money Market – Short-term funds (less than a year), e.g., Treasury Bills.
- Capital Market – Long-term securities like stocks and bonds.
- Forex Market – Exchange of foreign currencies.
- Derivatives Market – Trading in financial instruments based on underlying assets.
- Commodity Market – Trading in raw materials like gold, oil, etc.
Functions of Financial Markets
- Mobilization of Savings: Encourages individuals to invest.
- Capital Allocation: Efficient transfer of funds to businesses.
- Liquidity: Easy conversion of assets into cash.
- Risk Management: Instruments like insurance and derivatives help manage risk.
- Information Dissemination: Provides data for informed investment decisions.
Price Discovery
Price discovery is the process of determining the price of an asset through the interaction of buyers and sellers in a market. It reflects demand and supply dynamics and is influenced by factors like market sentiment, news, and economic indicators.
Chapter List
- Overview of Financial Markets
- Money Markets and Capital Markets
- Fixed Income Markets - Debt / Bond Markets
- Forex Markets
- Interconnection of various markets/Market Dynamics
- Merchant Banking Services
- Derivatives Market including Credit Default Swaps
- Factoring, forfaiting & Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS)
- Venture capital
- Leasing and Hire Purchase
- Credit Rating agencies & their functions
- Mutual Funds
- Insurance Products
- Pension Funds (include APY, NPS)
- Guidelines on Para Banking & Financial Services provided by Banks
- Real Estate Investment Funds / Infrastructure Investment Fund (concept)
Tags:- Financial Market, Functions of Financial Market, Evolution, Segments, Price Discovery
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