The essentials
The central role of financial markets
In our modern world, business growth plays a huge role in generating collective wealth. But this growth does not happen automatically. It is possible only because companies develop innovative technical and commercial ideas that serve the people who make up our societies.
Innovation requires funding, even though there is no guarantee of success. To bear the resulting risk, innovators have to be connected with capital providers.
In a decentralised, open and free economy, multiple players are involved in connecting the financing needs of companies with available savings. Financial (or capital) markets are among the most important participants, alongside the banking system.
Today’s markets, many of which are now entirely electronic, are the venues where the largest numbers of projects and investors meet. Moreover, by bringing the supply side and the demand side together at a planet-wide level, the markets offer unparalleled efficiency and play a direct role in supporting a well-functioning global economic system.
Many companies go to the markets to raise the capital needed to fund their growth, while professional and retail investors alike find a source of return opportunities for their investments, based on the level of risk that they are willing to accept.
Financial market professionals
For markets to operate in an orderly manner, trading has to be organised on a precisely structured and secure basis, which safeguards investor confidence through mechanisms allowing the free interplay of supply and demand. This is made possible by the involvement of market professionals operating according to strict rules and under the close supervision of a public authority.
These professionals include banks and investment firms doing business on the markets on behalf of customers or on their own account. They operate within an extensive ecosystem that also includes market operators, clearing houses, settlement systems, asset managers and many others.
Importance that is set to grow within Europe
Looking ahead, markets are poised to take on even more importance, as illustrated by the European Union’s Capital Markets Initiative. This is partly because bank lending, which has traditionally financed the economy, is becoming scarcer and more restricted. Another crucial factor is the need to address multiple major financing challenges, including those posed by the ecological transition.
Learn about the markets with Professor Spot
Why financial markets – what’s the point?
History of financial markets
Market solutions to finance the economy and cover risks
Different types of markets: more or less organised markets
Different types of markets: order-based and price-based markets
The primary market, the secondary market and liquidity
Financial markets and the Ecological transition
Financial market players: the first circle
Financial market players: the second circle
Financial market professions: Front office – Trader
Financial market professions: Front office – Salesperson
Go to our YouTube channel