Financial markets are important for bringing equilibrium to the loanable funds market, but do not affect the efficient allocation of scarce resources in the long-run.

Financial Markets

Marketplaces where individuals and entities can trade financial securities, commodities, and other fungible assets.

Loanable Funds Market

A theoretical market where borrowers and lenders negotiate interest rates for loans, which determines the supply and demand for credit in the economy.

Scarce Resources

Refers to the limited availability of resources that are used for the production of goods and services; scarcity necessitates the need for allocation decisions.