How do you define financial markets?

Financial markets are platforms or systems that facilitate the buying and selling of financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, currencies, and derivatives. They enable participants, including individuals, businesses, and governments, to raise capital, manage risk, and allocate resources efficiently. These markets can be categorized into primary markets, where new securities are issued, and secondary markets, where existing securities are traded. Overall, financial markets play a crucial role in the economy by providing liquidity and price discovery.