• The financial market is divided into Money Market and Capital Market.
• The Capital Market is further subdivided into the Primary Market (New Issue Market) and the Secondary Market (Stock Exchange). Step 1: Difference based on the nature of securities
• Primary Market: This is the market for new securities. It deals with securities being issued for the very first time by a company to the public.
• Secondary Market: This is the market for existing or "second-hand" securities. It deals with the purchase and sale of securities that have already been issued in the primary market.
Step 2: Difference based on the flow of funds
• Primary Market: Capital flows directly from the investors to the company. This process directly promotes capital formation as the company receives funds for expansion or projects.
• Secondary Market: Capital flows between investors. The company is not involved in the transaction, and therefore, it does not receive any additional capital. It only provides liquidity to existing investors.
Step 3: Difference based on price determination
• Primary Market: The price of securities is determined and fixed by the management of the issuing company.
• Secondary Market: The price is not fixed; it is determined by the forces of demand and supply in the stock market. Prices fluctuate continuously based on market sentiment and company performance.