Spotmarkkinoita

Spotmarkkinoita refers to financial markets where assets are traded for immediate delivery and payment. Unlike futures or options markets, where contracts are for future transactions, spot markets deal with the current price of an asset. This "spot price" is the prevailing market price for immediate settlement. When you buy or sell a stock on a stock exchange, or purchase currency on the foreign exchange market at the current rate, you are participating in a spot market. The transaction is considered "on the spot," meaning the exchange of goods or services for money occurs almost instantaneously, or within a very short, predefined settlement period. These markets are crucial for price discovery, as they reflect real-time supply and demand dynamics for a wide range of assets, including commodities, currencies, and securities. Participants in spot markets include individuals, corporations, and financial institutions looking to acquire or divest assets with immediate effect, or to hedge against short-term price fluctuations. The efficiency and transparency of spot markets are vital for the smooth functioning of the broader financial system.