The capital market is a financial market where companies raise long-term financing by issuing capital and investors purchase this capital. The capital market serves as a platform where the supply and demand for capital meet.
The capital market encompasses a range of instruments including stocks, bonds, securities, derivatives, and other financial assets. Here is more detailed information about the capital market:
- Function: The capital market helps companies meet their long-term financing needs such as growth, financing new projects, or restructuring existing debts. It also serves as an investment avenue for investors as they can allocate their capital by trading in the capital market.
- Participants: The capital market involves various participants such as companies, investors, and intermediaries. Companies raise capital by issuing capital instruments like stocks or bonds. Investors invest in these capital instruments by purchasing them. Intermediaries facilitate trading and ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the markets.
- Market Types: The capital market includes different market types such as exchanges and over-the-counter (OTC) markets. Exchanges are organized markets where standardized capital instruments are publicly traded. OTC markets, on the other hand, facilitate the trading of capital instruments that are not listed on exchanges or subject to specific conditions.
- Risk and Return: The capital market offers risk and return opportunities for investors. Investors take on risk while allocating their capital in the capital market. Riskier assets like stocks offer higher potential returns, while safer assets like bonds offer lower returns.
- Regulations: The capital market operates under various regulations and oversight. These regulations aim to ensure transparent, fair, and orderly functioning of the markets, protect investors, and maintain market stability. Capital market regulations are typically determined and supervised by financial regulatory authorities.
The capital market provides an important platform for companies to meet their financing needs and for investors to allocate their capital. It supports economic growth and strengthens the functioning of the financial system. However, it is important to understand the risks and regulations before engaging in capital market transactions. Seeking guidance from an investment advisor or financial expert can be beneficial.