Functions
Mobilization of Savings:
The capital market channels savings from individuals, households, and institutions into productive investments. Â It provides a platform where these savings can be invested in various financial instruments like stocks and bonds, facilitating capital formation. Â 2. Facilitating Capital Formation:
By mobilizing savings, the capital market enables businesses and governments to raise the long-term capital they need for expansion, infrastructure development, and other projects. Â This capital formation is essential for economic growth. Â 3. Price Discovery:
The interaction of buyers and sellers in the secondary market determines the prices of securities. Â This price discovery mechanism provides valuable information about the perceived value of companies and other assets. Â This allows for efficient allocation of capital. Â 4. Liquidity Provision:
The secondary market provides liquidity to investors, allowing them to buy and sell securities easily. Â This liquidity makes investments more attractive, encouraging participation in the capital market. Â 5. Risk Sharing:
The capital market allows investors to diversify their portfolios, spreading risk across various assets. Â This diversification reduces the impact of any single investment's poor performance on an investor's overall portfolio. Â It also allows companies to spread the risk of their buisness amoung many shareholders. 6. Efficient Allocation of Resources:
The capital market helps to allocate resources efficiently by directing funds to the most promising investment opportunities. Â Companies with strong growth potential can raise capital more easily, while those with poor prospects may find it difficult to attract investment. 7. Promoting Economic Growth:
By facilitating capital formation and efficient resource allocation, the capital market contributes to economic growth. Â It enables businesses to invest in new technologies, expand their operations, and create jobs. Â Governments also use the capital markets to fund large scale infrastructure projects that further stimulate the economy. 8. Corporate Governance:
The capital market, particularly the equity market, plays a role in corporate governance. Â Shareholders have the right to vote on important company decisions, and the threat of a takeover can encourage managers to act in the best interests of shareholders. Â In essence, the capital market is a critical engine of economic activity, connecting those who have capital with those who need it, and facilitating the efficient allocation of resources.
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