The Indian capital market is divided into the Primary Market and the Secondary Market. In the Primary Market, new securities such as shares, bonds, mutual funds, and derivatives are issued by institutions and individuals. These securities are then traded in the Secondary Market. It’s used by individual and institutional investors, traders, corporations, and the government for investment and financing. The Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) oversees and protects investor interests.
Capital Market Meaning
A capital market is a financial market where individuals and organizations can buy and sell long-term financial assets, like stocks and bonds, to raise funds and make investments. It’s a critical part of the financial system that facilitates economic growth and investment opportunities.
A capital market is a fundamental component of a country’s financial system. Regulatory bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in India, oversee and regulate the capital market to ensure that it operates fairly and transparently.
A well-functioning capital market is essential for economic growth, as it allows the efficient allocation of capital, encourages investment, and provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to grow their wealth.
Capital Market Examples in India
Some notable examples of Indian capital markets are the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) where stocks are traded, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) for equity derivatives, Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) for commodities, Depository Systems for secure electronic trading and Mutual Funds for diversified investment options of India.
Objectives Of Capital Market
The primary aim of the Indian capital market is to protect investors by enforcing regulations against malpractices like insider trading. This fosters a trustworthy environment that encourages individuals and companies to invest with greater assurance and confidence.
Here are some more important objectives:
- It strives to create a fair and transparent platform where everyone can participate without unfair advantages.
- It reduces risks that could affect the entire financial system contributing to overall stability.
- It encourages domestic and foreign investments, promoting economic growth and development in India.
Features Of Capital Market
The main feature of the capital market is its ability to secure long-term funding through instruments like stocks and bonds. It provides a wide array of investment choices and often involves government involvement. Some other features of the Indian Capital Market are listed below:
- Investors in the Indian capital market can potentially earn higher returns, but this usually entails varying levels of risk based on the chosen securities.
- Indian capital markets vary in liquidity; stock exchanges are more liquid, while long-term securities can be less liquid, affecting trading ease and speed.
- The Indian capital market welcomes everyone, from individuals to large institutions, to participate in trading securities.
Types Of Capital Market
Capital market is generally divided into two types: Primary market and Secondary Market. The primary capital market is where companies issue new securities to raise capital, while the secondary capital market is where previously issued securities are bought and sold among investors.
Primary Market:
The primary market, also called the issuance market, is where newly created securities like stocks and bonds are directly offered and sold by companies or governments to generate capital. Investors purchase these securities from the issuing entity, supplying them with the necessary funds for expansion and project financing.
Secondary Market:
In the secondary market, pre-existing securities are traded among investors. The issuing entity is not directly involved in these transactions, and the buying and selling occur among investors. Examples of secondary markets include stock exchanges and bond markets.
How Does the Capital Market Work?
Capital markets connect individuals and entities to trade various financial assets, including stocks, bonds, currencies, etc. These markets comprise the stock market, where shares of companies are bought and sold, and the debt securities are traded.
In capital markets, you have two main groups: the suppliers of funds and the users of funds. Suppliers can be regular folks who save money in their bank accounts, as well as larger institutions like pension funds, insurance companies, and charities. Even non-financial companies with extra cash can be suppliers.
The main products in capital markets are equities and debt securities. Equities represent ownership in a company, while debt securities are like loans where investors lend money to an issuer in exchange for periodic interest payments. So, capital markets help move these financial products from suppliers to users, facilitating investments and economic growth.
Importance Of Capital Market
The importance of the capital market lies in its role as a platform for companies and governments to raise funds for new projects, expand their operations, and drive economic growth. This way the Capital market plays a very important role in the nation’s economic progress.
- Companies can borrow money by issuing bonds. This is a better way for them to raise funds than approaching the bank.
- Capital markets enhance liquidity, making the buying and selling of stocks more accessible.
- They offer risk management tools like derivatives to mitigate various types of risks.
- Capital markets enable individuals to save and build wealth, whether for retirement, home purchases, or education.
- They empower companies and entrepreneurs to transform ideas into thriving businesses, fostering job creation and economic improvement.
Capital Market Meaning – Quick Summary
- In India, the capital market is a financial market where people and institutions trade investments (like stocks and bonds) and raise capital for the long term, helping individuals grow their wealth and businesses get the funding they need.
- The Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) serves as the regulatory authority overseeing operations in the Indian capital market.
- The objectives include protection of investors, a fair platform, risk reduction, and economic growth promotion.
- Key features encompass variable returns and liquidity, catering to both individuals and institutions.
- Capital markets are divided into primary markets where new securities are issued and secondary markets where the issued securities are traded.
- These markets connect fund suppliers with users, enabling the trade of financial assets and offering liquidity and risk management tools.
- The capital market is vital for economic growth, determining fair asset prices, efficient borrowing, liquidity provision, risk management, wealth building, and entrepreneurship promotion.
- Alice Blue provides diverse investment choices in line with the Indian Capital Market. Invest in stocks, mutual funds, and IPOs with Alice Blue without any extra charges.
Capital Market In India – FAQs
What Is the Capital Market?
The Capital market is a financial market where people and institutions trade investments (like stocks and bonds) and raise or invest money for the long term, helping individuals grow their wealth and businesses get the funding they need.
Is the capital market also known as the stock market?
The stock market is a component of the capital market, which includes various other financial instruments like bonds, derivatives, and more.
Who runs the capital market?
The Indian capital market is run by three regulatory authorities: the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
What are the 5 objectives of the capital market?
The 5 objectives of a capital issue include:
- Promoting a new company
- Expanding an existing company
- Diversifying production
- Fulfilling regular working capital needs
- Capitalizing reserves
What is the basic structure of the capital market?
The basic structure of the capital market is made up of the primary market, where securities are issued, and the Secondary Market where securities that were issued in the Primary Market are bought and sold among investors.
Who Controls The Capital Market In India?
The Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) controls the capital market in India.
