Basics
Basics
1. Stock Market
● Key Exchanges: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock
Exchange (NSE) are the two main stock exchanges in India. The BSE is one of
the oldest stock exchanges globally, while the NSE is known for its advanced
technology and large trading volume.
● Function: The stock market allows companies to raise capital by selling shares
to the public in an initial public offering (IPO). Once listed, these shares can be
bought and sold by investors in the secondary market. Investors buy shares to
gain ownership in a company and potentially earn returns through dividends and
capital gains as the stock price rises.
2. Debt Market
● Corporate Bond Market: In this market, companies issue bonds to raise capital.
These bonds typically offer higher interest rates than government bonds to
compensate for the increased risk. The corporate bond market is crucial for
companies looking to secure debt financing without diluting ownership (unlike
issuing equity).
3. Derivatives Market
● Futures and Options: These are contracts derived from underlying assets like
stocks, indices, commodities, and currencies. A future is an agreement to buy or
sell an asset at a future date at a predetermined price, while an option gives the
buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy/sell an asset at a specific price
before a certain date.
● Uses: The derivatives market is mainly used for hedging and speculation.
Investors and companies use it to protect against price fluctuations (hedging).
For example, a company that exports goods may use currency futures to protect
itself from unfavorable currency exchange rate movements.
● NSE Dominance: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is the largest exchange
for derivatives trading in India. It offers a range of products such as index futures,
stock futures, currency derivatives, and commodity futures.
4. Money Market
● Role of RBI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) closely monitors and regulates the
money market, ensuring liquidity and stability in the system. The RBI also uses
the money market to control inflation and manage the country’s monetary policy
through open market operations.
● Importance: The money market is crucial for managing liquidity in the financial
system. It allows banks and financial institutions to manage short-term funding
needs efficiently.
5. Foreign Exchange Market
● Currency Trading: The foreign exchange (forex) market allows for the buying
and selling of different currencies. It is essential for businesses and individuals
involved in international trade, investment, and travel.
● Key Participants: The forex market consists of authorized dealers (banks and
financial institutions) and other market participants, including exporters,
importers, and speculators.
● RBI's Role: The Reserve Bank of India plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability
in the currency exchange rate. The RBI intervenes in the forex market to curb
excessive volatility and maintain favorable balance-of-payments conditions.
● Importance: A stable forex market is vital for international trade and maintaining
the value of the Indian rupee. It also helps businesses manage risks related to
currency fluctuations.
6. Mutual Funds
● How Mutual Funds Work: Mutual funds collect money from multiple investors
and invest it in a diversified portfolio of assets like stocks, bonds, and money
market instruments. A professional fund manager oversees the investments and
decides how to allocate the funds based on the market’s performance and the
fund’s goals.
● Importance: Mutual funds offer individual investors the ability to diversify their
investments and participate in the stock or bond markets without needing deep
financial expertise. They provide a way for small investors to access professional
portfolio management.
7. Insurance Sector
● Life Insurance: Provides financial protection to the family of the insured person
in case of their death. It can also serve as an investment or savings vehicle,
depending on the policy (e.g., term insurance, endowment plans).
● General Insurance: Covers non-life risks such as property damage (e.g., home,
car insurance), health (e.g., medical insurance), and liability (e.g., business
insurance).
● Importance: The insurance sector is vital for managing risk and providing
financial security to individuals and businesses. It also supports the economy by
enabling investment in long-term projects.
● What They Do: NBFCs offer financial services similar to banks, but they do not
have full banking licenses. They provide loans, asset financing, and wealth
management services, especially in areas where traditional banks may not have
a strong presence.
● Types of NBFCs:
9. Regulatory Bodies
● SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India): Regulates the stock and
securities markets. Its primary function is to protect investor interests and ensure
fair and transparent practices by companies and market intermediaries.
● RBI (Reserve Bank of India): The central bank of India oversees the country’s
monetary policy, regulates banks, and ensures financial stability. It controls
inflation, manages foreign exchange reserves, and supervises the money
market.
Investing: Committing money to assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate with the goal
of making a profit over time. The focus is on long-term wealth building and achieving
financial goals.
Types of Investments:
● Mutual Funds: A pool of money from many investors used to buy a diversified
portfolio of stocks, bonds, etc.