How does the
Stock Market work?
Stock markets work by bringing together companies who need capital and investors and traders looking for
higher returns on capital, at one place. Stock markets witness participation from entities like -
exchanges, brokers, clearing corporations, companies, and most importantly investors and traders.
In stock
markets, investors buy and sell shares of publicly listed companies, with prices determined by
supply and demand to profit from price movements. A Stock exchange is a place where buyers and sellers
come together to buy and sell stocks through brokers who provide online platforms to facilitate these
transactions. Once these transactions are approved by the exchange, clearing and settlement institutions
ensure the secure transfer of shares and funds.
Before understanding the operations of the equity market, it is crucial to understand the types of equity
investments and trading.
Delivery
In delivery-based investments, investors
purchase stocks or securities
and hold them in their Demat accounts for the long term. The goal is to benefit from potential price
appreciation and dividend income.
Intraday
Intraday trading involves buying and selling
stocks within the same
trading day. Traders aim to profit from short-term price fluctuations, and all positions are
typically closed by the end of the trading day to avoid overnight risk.
Futures and Options
These are derivative contracts,
meaning traders predict the
future price of something, such as a stock or commodity, based on the underlying asset's price movements. Futures obligate
traders to buy or sell an asset at a future date and predetermined price. Options offer the right
but not the obligation to do so. They are used for hedging and speculation.
The intricate world of equity markets is a vital part of the global financial system. At its core, the
market serves as a platform for equity trading, facilitating the exchange of ownership in companies in
the form of shares or stocks. Understanding the mechanics of the equity market is crucial for both
novice and experienced traders. It not only helps in making informed decisions but also aids in
navigating the complexities and potential pitfalls of trading in equity. Let’s take a closer look and
understand how the equity market works
Primary Market
A company issues new shares in the
primary market to raise capital.
These shares are sold to initial investors, and the process is known as an Initial Public Offering (IPO).
Secondary Market
After the IPO, the shares are traded
in the secondary market.
This is where individual and institutional investors buy and sell shares among themselves. The
secondary market provides liquidity to investors.
Price Determination
Stock prices fluctuate based on
supply and demand dynamics. If
more investors want to buy a stock (demand) than sell it (supply), the price moves up. Conversely,
if more people want to sell a stock than buy it, the price drops.
Trading Platforms
With advancements in technology,
investors can now trade
equities online with ease. Online trading platform such as Rise
offer tools, analytics, and real-time data for efficient trading and investment.
Brokers
In India, investors are required to trade
through stockbrokers who
facilitate transactions on stock exchanges like the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay
Stock Exchange (BSE). They provide a platform for buying and selling shares and charge fees or
commissions for their services.
Clearing and Settlement Corporations
In India, clearing
and settlement processes
are managed by entities like the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central
Depository Services Limited (CDSL) . They ensure the transfer of shares from the
seller to the buyer and handle the exchange of funds. Settlement happens on a T+2 basis, where 'T'
represents the transaction date.
Regulation
Equity markets are supervised by regulatory
bodies. The Securities and
Exchange Board of India SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets
in India under the administrative domain of the Ministry of Finance. Their primary role is to
maintain transparency, protect investor interests, and ensure fair trading practices.