NCERT Summary: Stock Markets in India- 1 | Indian Economy for UPSC CSE PDF Download

STOCKMARKETS

A stock exchange is an organization which provides a platform for trading shares-either physical or virtual. The origin of the stock market dates back to the year 1494, when the Amsterdam Stock Exchange was first set up. In a stock exchange, investors through stock brokers buy and sell shares in a wide range of listed companies. A given company may list in one or more exchanges by meeting and maintaining the listing requirements of the stock exchange. 

In financial terminology, stock is the capital raised by a corporation, through the issuance and sale of shares. In common parlance, however, stocks and shares are used interchangeably. A shareholder is any person or organization which owns one or more shares issued by a corporation. The aggregate value of a corporation’s issued shares, at current market prices, is its market capitalization. Stock broker buys and sells for an investor and does the work of arranging the transfer of stock from a seller to a buyer.

Importance of Stock Exchanges

• For efficient working of the economy and for the smooth functioning of the corporate form of organization, the stock exchange is an essential institution. an efficient medium for raising long term resources for business 
• Help raise savings from the general public by the way of issue of equity debt capital 
• Attract foreign currency 
• Exercise discipline on companies and make them profitable Investment in backward regions for job generation another vehicle for investors’ savings. 

Stock Exchanges in India
The first company that issued shares was the VOC or Dutch East India Company in. the early 17th century (1602). Since then we have come a long way. With over 25m shareholders today, India has the third largest investor base in the world after the USA and Japan. Over 9,000 companies are listed on the stock exchanges, which are serviced by approximately 7,500 stockbrokers. The Indian capital market is significant in terms of the degree of development, volume of trading and its tremendous growth potential.

Stock exchanges provide an organised market for transactions in securities and other securities. There are 24 stock exchanges in the country, 21 of them being regional ones with allocated areas. Three other are set up in the reforms era, viz. National Stock Exchange (NSE), the Over the Counter Exchange India Limited (OTCEI) and Inter-connected Stock Exchange of India Limited (1SE) Important Stock Exchanges in India are Bombay Stock Exchange, popularly known as BSE and National Stock Exchange located in Bombay.

Stock Exchanges in India

1. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE):

   • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
   • Established: 1875.
   • Key Features: Oldest stock exchange in Asia; widely recognized benchmark for the Indian stock market.

2. National Stock Exchange (NSE):

   • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
   • Established: 1992.
   • Key Features: Largest stock exchange in India by market capitalization; introduced electronic trading.

3. Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE):

   • Location: Kolkata, West Bengal.
   • Established: 1908.
   • Key Features: One of the oldest stock exchanges; historically significant in India's financial landscape.

4. Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX):

   • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
   • Established: 2003.
   • Key Features: Focuses on commodity trading; one of the leading commodity exchanges in the world.

5. National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX):

   • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
   • Established: 2003.
   • Key Features: Specializes in agricultural commodities; facilitates trading in futures contracts.

6. Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX):

   • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
   • Established: 2009.
   • Key Features: Focuses on commodity derivatives trading; known for trading in diamond and steel contracts.

7. BSE Institute Limited (BIL):

   • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
   • Established: 2006.
   • Key Features: Subsidiary of BSE; provides education and training in financial markets.

8. National Commodity Exchange Limited (NCEL):

   • Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
   • Established: 2002.
   • Key Features: Facilitates trading in various commodities; offers a platform for commodity-based derivatives.

9. Inter-Connected Stock Exchange of India Ltd (ISE):

   • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
   • Established: 1998.
   • Key Features: A national-level stock exchange; focuses on enhancing market access.

10. Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI):

    • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
    • Established: 2008.
    • Key Features: Multi-asset class exchange; offers trading in equities, debt, and derivatives.

Bombay Stock Exchange

Classification of companies listed in BSE

Sensex

Sensex or Sensitive Index is a value-weighted index composed of 30 companies with the base 1978- 1979 = 100. It consists of the 30 largest and most actively traded blue chip stocks, representative of various sectors, on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Inclusion of the company is basically on the basis of market capitalization. The 30 companies in the index are revised periodically- some are replaced by others and new sectors may find representation as the economy evolves. The Sensex is generally regarded a mirror or barometer of the Indian stock markets and economy.

Demutualization

Demutualization is when management and ownership are separated. Ownership is divested from the brokers and the company becomes a public company. All stock exchanges are to be demutualised according to the Government law made in 2004. Demutualization, thus means that ownership, management and trading rights are separated in a stock exchange. 

National Stock Exchange of India                                                                  

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), is one of the largest and most advanced stock exchanges in India. In the year 1991 Pherwani Committee recommended to establish National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India. In 1992 the Government of India authorized IDBI for establishing this exchange. The National Stock Exchange of India was promoted by leading Financial Institutions and was incorporated in 1992. In 1993, it was recognized as a stock exchange. NSE commenced operations in 1994. It is located in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. Following financial institutions were the promoters of National Stock Exchange:

• Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI). 
• Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI). 
• Industrial credit and Investment corporation of India (ICICI). 
• Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). 
• General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC). 
• SBI Capital Markets Limited. 
• Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited. 
• Infrastructure Leasing and Financial services Limited. 

The Standard & Poor’s CRISIL NSE Index 50 or S&P CNX Nifty - Nifty 50 or simply Nifty is the leading index for large companies on the National Stock Exchange of India. The Nifty is a well diversified 50 stock index accounting for 21 sectors of the economy. The CNX Nifty Junior is an index for companies on the National Stock Exchange of India. It consists of 50 companies on the National Stock Exchange of India. It has the second tier of stocks in terms of market cap and don’t make it into Nifty.

The Inter-Connected Stock Exchange of India Limited (ISE)

The Inter-Connected Stock Exchange of India Limited (ISE) is being promoted by regional stock exchanges to set up a new national level stock exchange. The ISE would provide a national market in addition to the trading facility at the regional stock exchanges 

Indonext

BSE, Federation of Indian Stock Exchanges and regional stock exchanges have promoted Indonext. The regional stock exchanges that are part of Indonext include Madras Stock Exchange, Bangalore Stock Exchange, Interconnected Stock Exchanges of India, Ludhiana Stock Exchange and Vadodara Stock Exchange. Indonext is envisaged to bring liquidity and attention to stocks that are listed on RSEs.

Over the Counter Exchange of India (OTCEI)

The OTC Exchange of India (OTCEI) incorporated under the provisions of the Companies Act 1956, is a public limited company. It allows listing of small and medium sized companies. OTCEI is promoted by the Unit Trust of India, Industrial Development Bank of India, the Industrial Finance Corporation of India and others and is a recognised stock exchange. 

SEBI(Securities and Exchange Board of India)

The capital markets in India are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India. (SEBI) It was established in 1988 and given a statutory basis in 1992 on the basis of the Parliamentary Act- SEBI Act 1992 to regulate and develop capital market. SEBI regulates the working of stock exchanges and intermediaries such as stock brokers and merchant bankers, accords approval for mutual funds, and registers Foreign Institutional Investors who wish to trade in Indian scrips. 

Section 11(1) of the SEBI Act says that it shall be the duty of the Board to protect the interests of investors in securities. SEBI promotes investor’s education and training of intermediaries of securities markets. It prohibits fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to securities markets, and inter trading in securities, with the imposition of monetary penalties, on erring market intermediaries. It also regulates substantial acquisition of shares and takeover of companies and calling for information from, carrying out inspection, conducting inquiries and audits of the stock exchanges and intermediaries and self regulatory organizations in the securities market. SEBI has its head office in Mumbai and its three regional offices in New Delhi, Calcutta and Chennai. SEBI’s powers were enhanced in 2002 -strengthen the SEBS board, enlarge it to nine from six and appoint three full-time directors; given enhanced powers to conduct search and seizure etc. 

SEBI and the Reforms

The Stock Exchange Seam of 1992 (Harshad Mehta) and the scam in 2000 (Ketan Parekh) led to various measures by the Government to protect the interests of the small investors. SEBI introduced reforms like improved transparency, computerisation, enactment against insider trading, restrictions on forward trading, introduction of T + 2 system of settlement etc. The restriction and elimination of forward or Contango trading, referred to in India as ‘Badla’ is a bold step to check speculation and manipulation of the market. Some more steps taken by SEBI to strengthen markets are:

• SEBI reconstituted governing boards of the stock exchanges, introduced capital adequacy norms for brokers, and makes rules for making client/ broker relationship more transparent 
• SEBI enforces corporate disclosures. 
• Enforces ban on insider trading Protects retail investors 
• SEBI is empowered to register and regulate mutual funds
• Introducing a code of conduct for all credit rating agencies operating in India. 
• Clause 49 of the listing agreement that SEBI introduced mandates that all listed companies should have half the Directors on the Board as Independent Directors.

Sebi makes new rules 2009

In 2009, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced the innovative "anchor investor" concept, revolutionizing the participation of institutional investors in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

Key Rules: Under this concept, institutional investors can subscribe to a substantial 30 percent of the institutional investor quota in an IPO. The application process involves a two-step payment mechanism. Initially, anchor investors pay 25 percent of the total investment at the time of applying for the IPO. The remaining balance is due within two days of the closure of the issue. Importantly, anchor investors are subject to a mandatory one-month lock-in period from the date of share allotment.

Capital Market Reforms
Since 1991 when the Government launched economic reforms, the following measures were taken.

• SEBI's Statutory Status: Following the launch of economic reforms in 1991, SEBI was granted statutory status through an Act of Parliament, solidifying its role as the regulatory authority overseeing the securities market.
• Market Infrastructure: Several significant measures were taken to enhance market infrastructure. Electronic trade was introduced, and the concept of rolling settlement was implemented to reduce speculation. The permission for Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) in 1992 facilitated international investment. Additionally, clearing houses and settlement guarantee funds were established at all stock exchanges, fortifying the market structure.
• Dematerialization and Corporate Governance: Compulsory dematerialization of share certificates was enforced to eliminate challenges associated with paper trading, ensuring a faster and more secure transfer process. The introduction of Clause 49 in the listing agreement focused on improving corporate governance standards, reinforcing transparency and accountability among listed companies.
• PN Restrictions: To regulate foreign investments and ensure stability in the market, SEBI imposed restrictions on Participatory Notes (PNs), curbing potential speculative activities.

Primary Market

IPOs and FPOs: The primary market, responsible for the issuance of new securities directly to investors, witnesses two essential processes. An Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves the sale of new stock by a company, while a Follow-on Public Offer (FPO) occurs when a company with existing shares returns to the market with a new stock issue. 

Types of shares

Common Stock:

Common stock represents ownership in a company and typically entitles shareholders to voting rights in major company decisions. Common shareholders receive dividends, but these payments are discretionary and depend on the company's profitability and management decisions. In the event of liquidation, common stockholders are paid after preferred stockholders and bondholders.

Preferred Stock:

Preferred stock, on the other hand, holds certain advantages over common stock. It is often issued to both banks and retail investors. Key features include:

1. Dividend Priority: Preferred stockholders receive dividends before common stockholders, providing a steady income stream even if common dividends are reduced or not paid.

2. Liquidation Preference: In the event of company closure or liquidation, preferred stockholders have a higher claim on the company's assets compared to common stockholders. They receive their share of the proceeds before common stockholders.

3. Enhanced Voting Rights: Some preferred stocks come with additional voting rights, giving holders the ability to influence company decisions, veto mergers or acquisitions, or exercise a right of first refusal for new share issuances.

Derivatives

1. Futures: Futures contracts obligate the buyer to purchase, or the seller to sell, a specified amount of the underlying asset at a predetermined future date and price. They are often used for hedging and speculation.

2. Options: Options provide the holder with the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specified timeframe. Options can be used for risk management and to capitalize on market movements.

Buyback of Shares