providing a market for the purchase and sale of shares in public limited companies and sale of bonds and other
securities for the government and local authority.
This helps both public limited companies and the national and local government
authorities to raise finance, since buyers of shares and bonds know that the
shares can be sold further, at higher price
enabling companies grow externally by merging or taking over another company
mobilising saving for investment
Savings are channelled towards firms and governments
which can use them to finance projects
influencing the use of savings
Demand for shares in successful companies is higher than for those in the
firms, which are seen to be struggling. This makes it easier for successful
firms to sell their shares and gain a high price for them. Consequently, this
makes it easier for them to raise finance and expand.
protecting those who buy shares
Any company which wants to be quoted on the stock exchange has to meet
requirements such as publishing a range of information for prospective share buyer
providing an indication of economic performance
Share prices tend to rise when the economy is performing well and
expected to continue to do well. (Bearish/Bullish)