The Basic Distinction Between a Primary and a Secondary Market

question 31

Multiple Choice

The basic distinction between a primary and a secondary market is that

• A) proceeds from sales in the primary market go to the current owner of a security; proceeds in secondary market go to the original owner.
• B) primary markets involve direct dealings within regional exchanges.
• C) only new securities are sold in the primary market; only outstanding securities are bought and sold in the secondary market.
• D) primary markets deal exclusively in bonds; secondary markets deal primarily in common stock.
• E) primary markets deal exclusively in common stocks; secondary markets deal primarily in bonds.

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Definitions:

Long-run Equilibrium

Long-run equilibrium occurs when all firms in a market or industry are producing at their most efficient level, with no incentive to enter or exit the market.

Purely Competitive

A market structure characterized by many buyers and sellers, where each has negligible impact on market price.

Minimum ATC

The lowest point on the Average Total Cost curve, indicating the most cost-efficient level of production.

Productively Efficient

Refers to a situation where goods and services are produced at the lowest possible cost, and resources are utilized in the most efficient manner.