What are the different types of capital markets

Learn all about the types of capital markets to know which one works best for your business.
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3 mins
22 June 2023

Capital markets refer to the platform where businesses and governments can raise funds by issuing and trading financial assets. There are two primary types of capital markets – debt market and equity market – that help businesses raise capital for their growth and development. In this article, we discuss the different types of capital markets.

Equity market

The equity market, also known as the stock market, is the platform where businesses issue shares to investors in exchange for their investment. When investors purchase shares of a business, they become partial owners of the company, allowing them to participate in the company's profits and decision-making. The stock market is ideal for businesses that want to raise a significant amount of capital and increase public awareness of their operations.

Debt market

The debt market is where businesses issue bonds, debentures, or other forms of long-term debt securities to investors. Investors lend money to the business, which is repaid with interest at a predetermined future date. The bond market is ideal for businesses that want to raise funds for specific long-term projects, as the securities have a longer maturity date than other capital market instruments.

Foreign exchange market

The foreign exchange market, also known as forex, is the platform for buying and selling currencies. The forex market is essential for businesses that operate internationally and want to hedge their foreign currency risks. It is also essential for businesses that participate in international trade, as the forex market provides a platform to convert foreign currency into the domestic currency.

Commodity market

The commodity market is the platform where businesses can buy and sell commodities such as gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products. The commodity market is ideal for businesses that want to trade and hedging strategies for their raw material inputs, such as agricultural companies, and oil and gas companies.

Capital markets offer businesses a platform to raise funds through equity or debt financing. However, business loans offer a better option for small and medium-sized businesses. Business loans are more accessible, easier to obtain, and have flexible repayment options. They allow business owners to retain ownership and control over their business and they come with lower costs. Business owners should weigh their options and choose the right financing option that suits their unique needs.

Key elements of a capital market

Here are the key elements of a capital market:

  1. Issuers: The issuers are companies or governments that sell securities to raise capital. Companies issue stocks, bonds, debentures, or other types of securities, while governments raise money by issuing bonds or Treasury bills.
  2. Regulators: Capital markets operate under strict regulations from governing bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). These regulators are responsible for ensuring that capital markets operate fairly and transparently.
  3. Intermediaries: Intermediaries facilitate the transaction of securities between buyers and sellers, such as stockbrokers, investment banks, and asset management companies. They provide essential services such as underwriting, market-making, and distribution of securities.
  4. Investors: Investors are individuals or institutions that purchase securities in the capital market. They include retail investors, institutional investors, mutual funds, pension funds, and hedge funds.
  5. Exchanges: Capital markets operate through exchanges, which are platforms that allow the trading of securities between buyers and sellers. In India, the major stock exchanges include the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.
  6. Securities: Securities are the financial instruments traded on capital markets, including stocks, bonds, debentures, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds.
  7. Price discovery mechanism: Capital markets establish the prices of securities through a price discovery mechanism. This mechanism enables buyers and sellers to arrive at the fair market value of the securities.

The capital market plays a vital role in the economy and helps companies and governments raise capital to finance their operations and growth. Understanding the key elements of the capital market is essential for investors, businesses, and policymakers alike. With stringent regulations, transparent transactions and fair market mechanisms, the capital market in India offers opportunities for investors to participate and benefit from a vast range of financial instruments.

Additional read: What are debt instruments

Additional read: What is Bridge Financing

Additional Read: Capital Budgeting

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Frequently asked questions

What are the 3 types of capital markets?

The three types of capital markets are primary markets, secondary markets, and money markets. The primary market is where new securities are issued for the first time and sold directly to investors through an initial public offering (IPO). Secondary markets provide a platform for trading pre-existing securities among individuals and institutions. Money markets, meanwhile, are used for short-term borrowing and lending of funds with maturities ranging from one day to one year. These markets help to facilitate the flow of global capital.

What are the different types of equity capital markets?

The different types of equity capital markets include public equity offerings, such as initial public offerings (IPOs) and follow-on offerings, and private equity offerings, such as venture capital and private placements. Other types of equity capital markets include rights issues, where existing shareholders are offered additional shares; convertible bond offerings, which allow investors to convert their debt securities into equity; and equity-linked securities, such as warrants and options, which are tied to the value of underlying equity.

What are the three types of primary markets?

India's primary markets consist of three segments - the Initial Public Offering (IPO) market, the Follow-on Public Offer (FPO) market, and the Offer for Sale (OFS) market. Indian companies utilise these markets to raise funds by issuing new securities to the public.

What is the classification of the capital market in India?

The capital market in India is classified into two primary segments - the primary market and the secondary market. The primary market is where securities are initially issued, while the secondary market trades existing securities between buyers and sellers.

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