What is the Cash Market?
The cash market, also known as the spot market, is a financial market where securities are bought and sold for immediate delivery. Unlike other markets where trading is based on futures or derivatives contracts, transactions in the cash market involve real assets that are exchanged "on the spot," meaning at current market prices.
How Does the Cash Market Work?
In the cash market, buyers and sellers agree to the transaction at the current price, and the payment and delivery of the asset occur almost immediately. Typically, the settlement happens within two working days after the trade is executed, known as the T+2 settlement cycle.
For example, if you buy 100 shares of a company in the cash market today, you will pay for the shares and receive them in your Demat account within two business days.
Key Features of the Cash Market
1. Immediate Settlement: The transaction in the cash market is settled promptly, usually within two days. This contrasts with futures or options markets, where delivery happens at a future date.
2. Ownership of Securities: When you buy shares or other securities in the cash market, you become the direct owner of those assets. This gives you rights like dividends, voting in shareholder meetings, and capital appreciation.
3. No Leverage: In the cash market, you must pay the full price of the securities. Unlike in the futures market, there is no borrowing or leveraging involved.
4. Risk Exposure: Since you are purchasing the asset outright, your exposure to risk is limited to the asset's price movement. There are no margin calls or expiration dates like in derivatives trading.
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