Primary Market
- Definition: A market where new securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) are issued and sold by companies or governments for the first time.
- Purpose: To raise capital for businesses and fund government projects.
- Participants: Issuing company or government, underwriters, and initial buyers.
- Types of Securities: IPOs (Initial Public Offerings), primary bond offerings, government bonds.
- Pricing: Determined through underwriting and market demand.
- Example: When Apple releases a new stock, it does so in the primary market.
Secondary Market
- Definition: A market where existing securities are traded between investors after the initial issuance.
- Purpose: To provide liquidity and allow investors to buy and sell securities.
- Participants: Individual investors, institutional investors, brokers, and dealers.
- Types of Securities: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs.
- Pricing: Determined by supply and demand forces, influenced by market news, economic conditions, and investor sentiment.
- Example: When you buy or sell Apple stock on the Nasdaq, you are participating in the secondary market.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Primary Market | Secondary Market |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Raise capital | Provide liquidity |
| Timing | New securities issued | Existing securities traded |
| Participants | Issuing entity, underwriters, initial buyers | Investors, brokers, dealers |
| Pricing | Underwriting and market demand | Supply and demand |
| Risk | Higher risk, as new securities are not proven | Lower risk, as securities have a track record |
| Example | IPOs, primary bond offerings | Stock exchanges, over-the-counter markets |