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Financial Market
Financial Market
Stocks are shares of publicly traded firms that are traded on exchanges such
as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the NASDAQ. This market is critical for
organizations seeking cash as well as investors seeking ownership shares. The stock
market, also known as the equity market, is the location where stocks are issued and
exchanged.
To raise money, entities issue debt instruments known as bonds in the bond
market, also known as the fixed-income market. These bonds are traded between
investors, allowing them to trade these fixed-income assets. Bonds are often issued
by businesses, municipalities, or governments and serve as a conduit for these
entities to raise capital from investors.
Bonds can also be used as debt instruments, allowing investors to lend money
to governments or businesses in exchange for periodic interest payments and
repayment of the principle amount at maturity. These fixed-income products offer a
more steady investment path than shares, with their value determined by interest
rates and the issuer's creditworthiness.
Another key area is derivatives, which include options, futures, swaps, and
forwards. These financial products derive their value from an underlying asset,
allowing investors to hedge risk or speculate on price movements. Derivatives
expand the complexity and depth of financial markets by giving chances for risk
management or profit generation by capitalizing on market expectations and asset
price fluctuations.