Global Finance
Stock markets, bonds, derivatives, and how the global financial system connects economies.
Capital Markets
Stock markets let companies raise capital by selling shares. Bond markets let governments and companies borrow. India's BSE (founded 1875) is Asia's oldest stock exchange. The NSE's NIFTY 50 tracks the top 50 companies.
Global Interconnections
A financial crisis in one country can cascade globally — as we saw in 2008 when US mortgage defaults triggered a worldwide recession. Capital flows freely across borders: when the US Federal Reserve raises rates, money flows out of emerging markets like India, putting pressure on the rupee.
- •Stock markets reflect expectations about future company earnings
- •Bond prices and interest rates move inversely
- •Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are major players in Indian markets
- •Financial regulations exist to prevent systemic crises
💡 Did You Know?
India has over 100 million demat (electronic stock) accounts. Retail participation in Indian markets exploded during COVID-19, with apps like Zerodha and Groww bringing millions of first-time investors.