Importance of money market¶
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Development of Trade and Industry: The money market provides essential financing for trade and industry by offering various instruments that can be used to meet working capital requirements. This facilitates the growth and development of businesses, both within the country and in international trade.
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Smooth Functioning of Commercial Banks: Commercial banks often have surplus funds that they need to invest temporarily. The money market provides them with a platform to invest these funds in easily liquidated assets. This allows banks to earn returns on their idle funds while ensuring that they can quickly access these funds when needed. Additionally, it helps banks meet regulatory requirements such as the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR).
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Effective Central Bank Control: A well-developed money market is essential for the effective functioning of a central bank. It provides the central bank with the tools and mechanisms to implement monetary policy effectively. Through the money market, the central bank can influence interest rates, control the money supply, and stabilize the financial system.
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Formulation of Suitable Monetary Policy: The conditions and dynamics of the money market serve as valuable indicators of the overall monetary state of the economy. Central banks and governments rely on these indicators to formulate and revise monetary policies. By monitoring the money market, policymakers can make informed decisions to address economic challenges and maintain stability.
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Non-Inflationary Source of Finance for the Government: Money market instruments, such as Treasury bills (T-bills), provide the government with a means to raise short-term funds without resorting to printing more currency or taking loans. This helps prevent inflationary pressures that could arise from excessive money creation or borrowing. It allows the government to finance its operations and projects while maintaining price stability in the economy.
In summary, the money market plays a vital role in supporting economic growth, ensuring the efficient use of financial resources, and enabling governments and central banks to implement effective monetary policies. Its functions are essential for maintaining stability and facilitating the development of a robust and dynamic economy.