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FNCE 4070: FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS Lecture 2: Understanding Financial Markets and Institutions
Working Definitions; Characteristics of an Efficient Financial Market; Financial Market Signals
Where is this Financial Market?
Financial Markets and Financial Institutions How might you define these?
Perhaps in terms of specific functions? What are possible functions of financial markets and
financial institutions? What are the characteristics of an efficient financial
market? Perhaps in terms of organizations and institutions
that participate in financial markets Commercial organizations Governmental organizations (Central banks, regulatory
organizations --- SEC; FSA) Private regulatory organizations (S&P, Moody’s, Fitch)
Function of FinancialMarkets Typical text book definition:
“Markets through which entities with surplus (“excess”) financial funds transfer those surplus funds to entities who have a shortage (“shortfall”) of available funds.” Stock markets, bond markets,
mortgage markets.
Functions of Financial Markets
Mechanism for raising funds! Done in primary financial markets (e.g.,
IPOs) Mechanism for converting financial assets
into cash before maturity. Done in secondary financial markets
(e.g., NYSE, OTC bond markets)
Functions of Financial Markets
Provides the means for entities to protect their financial/commercial positions. Done in derivatives markets (options,
futures, forwards) Mechanism for generating a return on
surplus funds. Through interest, dividends, capital
appreciation
Functions of Financial Markets
Allocates financial resources among competing users. And, we assume, if done so in the most
efficient manner (i.e., to the most productive users): The process will improve economic
efficiency and
Result in highest possible economic growth!
Functions of Financial Markets Provides financial signals to market participants
Interest rates, stock prices, exchange rates as measures of market’s perception of risk and changing risk: Stock prices and interest rates may tell us something about
the market’s assessment of companies, financial institutions, and even overall financial markets: 2008 credit crisis.
Exchange rates and government interest rate spreads may tell us something about the market’s assessment of countries or regions): 2010 – 2012 Crisis in the Euro-zone.
Perhaps we can use financial market signals as a leading indicator of economic activity.
Classification of Financial Markets Primary Financial Market
Where new securities are sold to initial buyers (e.g., IPOs) Important for raising new capital (involves public and private
placements and investment bankers) Secondary Financial Market
Where securities previously issued (in primary markets) are bought and sold (traded among investors).
Secondary markets provide liquidity for previously issued securities – Allows for conversion of financial assets into cash before asset matures. Done through organized exchanges (central locations; e.g., NYSE,
LSE) or through Over-the-counter arrangements (dealers in different locations; e.g.,
NASDAQ, and U.S. Government bond market) or through US Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs): Federal National
Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
Money and capital markets Short term versus long term maturities of traded instruments.
Financial Institutions Commercial entities that facilitate and
manage the movement of funds from surplus entities to final borrowers. Commercial banks, investment banks,
asset managers (pension funds, insurance companies), hedge funds, foreign exchange brokers…
Governmental entities that are involved in and/or regulate financial markets Central banks, regulatory agencies
Financial Instruments (1) Instruments which represent a claim on
the issuer’s (of the financial instrument) future income and/or assets. Examples include:
Bonds: Debt instruments with a contractual agreement (indenture specifies interest payment, maturity date, etc.).
Common Stocks: Instruments representing an ownership position in a corporation.
(2) Instruments which are neither debt nor equity based and thus belong in their own category.
Foreign Exchange
Classifications of Financial Instruments (1) Financial instruments can be categorized by form
depending on whether they are cash instruments or derivative instruments:
Cash instruments are financial instruments whose value is determined directly by markets. Stock and bonds
Derivative instruments are financial instruments which derive their value from some other (underlying) financial instrument or variable. Futures, forwards, options (puts and calls) Originated in Chicago in the 1850s (CBOT) for
commodities (flour, hay, corn), but now involves financial assets as well.
Classifications of Financial Instruments (2) As noted, financial instruments can also be
categorized depending on whether they are
equity based (reflecting ownership of the issuing
entity) or debt based (reflecting a loan the
investor has made to the issuing entity). If debt, financial assets can be further
categorized into short term (one year or less) or
long term. Short term: money market instruments Long term: capital market instruments
Characteristics of an Efficient Financial Market (1) Transparency:
All participants will have access to reliable and important information at the same time. Importance of trading platforms to transparency.
How quickly is trading information made available? Do all potential traders have access to same trading
information (bid and ask prices publicly displayed). Importance of financial services providers to
transparency in disseminating financial information. Dow Jones, Bloomberg, Reuters.
Central banks and central bankers also play in role in this process by pursuing transparency in terms of their monetary policy processes. Web sites: http://www.bis.org/cbanks.htm
Efficient Financial Market (2) Adequate, but Not Excessive, Regulation:
Financial markets need to have regulation which ensures a level and fair playing field and appropriate behavior. Regulation needs:
To discourage insider trading, price manipulations, unethical behavior
Provide appropriate reporting of financial information to markets. Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 makes it unlawful for any
person "to use or employ, in connection with the purchase or sale of any security… any manipulative or deceptive device…”
Issue for regulators: A what point does regulation become a burden (excessive) and/or drive financial service providers to other markets? Cost – Benefit Analysis done by regulators. U.S. Sarbanes Oxley Act (2002) Regulation of hedge funds.
Efficient Financial Market (3) Competition:
Markets need to be structured and regulated so as to offer easy access and exit. Not segmenting financial service providers. Not overly protecting (or rescuing) poorly run firms.
Moral hazard issue Applies to both domestic and foreign entities. Will ensure best prices and services for end users.
(4) Market Structure which Allows for Innovation: To provide needed new services and new product
development. Allow financial service providers to respond to needs of end
users. Development of derivative products in the 1970s through today.
Major Issue Facing Participants in Financial Markets Are the prices of financial instruments
potentially unstable? How volatile are they? Are they subject to? Quick and large short term moves. Substantial longer term trend changes
Quick answer: YES!!! Volatility is one major issue facing
participants in financial markets.
Interest Rates
Annual Data YoY
Corporate AAA Total Return
Changes in Stock Prices
Annual Data YoY
Changes in Exchange Rates
Annual Data (YoY)
Impact of Changes in Financial Variables Changes in interest rates:
Affect the cost of borrowing (end users and intermediaries) Influence the returns (and profit margins) to interest sensitive
financial institutions (e.g., banks) and the borrowings/investments of non-financial sectors (household and companies).
Affect asset prices (bonds, stocks, foreign exchange). Impact on the M&A market (leveraging activities) Impact on mortgage markets.
Changes in stock prices: Affect the economy’s perception of wealth:
Influence spending decisions (through the “wealth effect”). Affect the IPO market and M&A market (P/E multiples)
Changes in exchange rates: Affect the competitive position of global firms, exporters and
importers. Affect the returns to global investment funds (mutual funds, pension
funds).
Signals from the Stock Market
Forecasters have noted that for the U.S. investors start discounting the end of an expansion and the beginning of a recovery in advance of the business cycle turning point.
How can you explain this leading relationship?
Stock Market as a Leading Indicator: 1968-1983
Stock Market as a Leading Indicator: 1989-1992
Stock Market as a Leading Indicator: 1997-2011
Appendix 1
Useful Websites for Stock Prices and Exchange Rates
Stock Prices
For long term historical views go to: http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/charts/
chartdl.aspx?Symbol=%24INDU&CP=0&PT=5
For a view of what’s happening now go to: http://bloomberg.com/
Or: http://finance.yahoo.com/marketupdate?u
Exchange Rates
Go to: http://fx.sauder.ubc.ca/ http://www.fxstreet.com/