Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA) Practice Exam

In which market do transactions mainly take place among large institutional investors via broker-dealers?

1. Primary market

2. Secondary market

3. Third market

4. Fourth market

The correct answer is: Third market

The correct choice pertains to the third market, where transactions primarily occur among large institutional investors, typically facilitated by broker-dealers. This market is characterized by the trading of exchange-listed securities that happens over-the-counter, rather than on formal exchanges. Institutional investors often prefer this route to avoid the impact of large trades on market prices and to gain more privacy in their transactions. In the context of market structure, the primary market is where new securities are issued and sold directly to investors, typically through underwriting. The secondary market involves the buying and selling of existing securities among investors and can include both exchanges and the over-the-counter market. The fourth market refers to direct trading of securities between institutional investors without a broker or dealer, often facilitated by electronic trading systems. Thus, the third market is distinct in its focus on facilitating trades for large players in a less regulated environment compared to the primary and secondary markets, making it the fitting answer to the question.