Fixed Income

Correct Answer: Providing liquidity for investors by allowing them to buy and sell previously issued securities

The primary function of the secondary market for fixed income securities is providing liquidity for investors by allowing them to buy and sell previously issued securities. The secondary market enables investors to trade bonds after they have been initially issued, creating a liquid market where investors can enter or exit positions as needed. The other answers are incorrect because: - Setting the initial price and yield for new bond issuances through price discovery is a function of the primary market, not the secondary market. - Facilitating the transfer of funds from bond issuers to bond investors by enabling the initial sale of securities also describes the role of the primary market, where new securities are first issued and sold to investors.

Correct Answer: Providing a platform for speculative trading and high-risk investments

Providing a platform for speculative trading and high-risk investments is not a key role of the fixed income markets. Fixed income markets are generally considered to be less risky and more stable compared to other financial markets, such as the stock market. The key roles of fixed income markets include: 1. Enabling governments and corporations to raise capital for long-term projects and operations 2. Facilitating the flow of capital from savers to borrowers, supporting economic growth and development Fixed income securities, such as bonds, typically offer a predictable stream of income in the form of interest payments and the return of principal at maturity. This stability and predictability make fixed income investments attractive to risk-averse investors, such as pension funds and insurance companies, looking for steady returns over the long term.

Correct Answer: Facilitating the flow of capital from savers to borrowers

The primary function of fixed income markets is facilitating the flow of capital from savers to borrowers. Fixed income securities, such as bonds, allow entities in need of capital (borrowers) to raise funds from investors (savers) in exchange for regular interest payments and the return of principal at maturity. Enabling companies to raise equity capital by issuing shares to investors is the primary function of equity markets, not fixed income markets. Providing a platform for trading derivatives and complex financial instruments is a function of certain fixed income markets, but it is not the primary function of the fixed income market as a whole.