Capital markets facilitate the transfer of capital from those seeking a return (investors) to those who need capital to grow their enterprises (issuers). Capital markets, put simply, are the way we connect providers of capital with users of capital. These relationships are facilitated by financial institution intermediaries, which play a critical role in making capital markets work. Efficient capital markets allow capital users to receive lower cost funding over time while allowing investors to identify appropriate opportunities to deploy their capital.
US Capital Markets are the Largest in the World
The U.S. capital markets are the largest in the world and continue to be among the deepest, most liquid, and most efficient.
U.S. equity markets represent 42.6% of the $115.0 trillion in global equity market cap, or $49.0 trillion; this is 3.9x the next largest market, the EU.
U.S. fixed income markets comprise 39.3% of the $140.7 trillion securities outstanding across the globe, or $55.3 trillion; this is 2.1x the next largest market, the EU.
Download the Capital Markets Fact Book
The Capital Markets Fact Book, along with its data tables in xls format, is an annual reference containing comprehensive data on the capital markets, investor participation, savings and investment, and securities industry.