Traditional Investment Instruments and Future in Financial Markets
Chapter from the book:
Sönmez,
A.
R.
(ed.)
2024.
Research on Money and Capital Markets.
Synopsis
Financial markets are one of the fundamental building blocks of modern economies and support the continuity of economic activities by bringing together savers and actors in need of capital. While these markets were traditionally defined by instruments such as stocks, bonds and foreign exchange, they have transformed into a more complex and global structure with digitalization and technological innovations. Traditional investment instruments have found a wide range of users, from individuals who prefer low-risk investments to institutional investors looking for long-term returns, and have supported the sustainability of the financial system with functions such as liquidity, information provision and risk sharing. However, in recent years, innovative instruments such as cryptocurrencies, derivatives and blockchain-based digital assets have emerged as serious competitors to traditional investment instruments. These developments require traditional instruments to adapt to modern market dynamics and be supported by innovative approaches. Steps such as integration into digitalization processes, the use of blockchain technology and financial literacy programs can increase the effectiveness of these instruments. It is envisaged that the financial markets of the future will evolve into a hybrid structure where traditional and modern instruments coexist. In this context, the adaptation of traditional investment instruments to digitalization processes is of critical importance for the sustainability of markets and increasing investor confidence. Thus, financial markets can continue to offer wider opportunities to both individual and institutional investors.