What is secondary market?
The secondary market is where investors buy and sell securities that have already been issued. Rather than purchasing directly from the issuer, investors trade with one another, which adds liquidity and flexibility to the investing process.
In public markets, this includes stock exchanges like the NYSE or NASDAQ, where company shares are traded after their initial issuance. The secondary market also enables price discovery, helping determine the current value of an asset based on supply and demand.
As it relates to private markets and alternatives, the secondary market may involve the buying and selling of interests in private equity, venture capital, or real estate funds. These transactions are typically facilitated through specialized platforms and may allow investors to exit investments early, often at a discount, due to limited transparency or liquidity.
The secondary market plays a crucial role in providing optionality and liquidity for long-term or traditionally illiquid investments.