Why this matters now
Money-market instruments are prelims favourites — knowing each instrument, its issuer and tenure is regularly tested, and they are the channel for RBI liquidity operations.
What is the money market?
The money market deals in short-term, highly liquid debt instruments (maturity ≤ 1 year), as distinct from the capital market (long-term). It is largely a wholesale market regulated by the RBI, providing liquidity and a benchmark for short-term interest rates.
Key instruments
- Treasury Bills (T-Bills) — short-term government borrowing (91/182/364 days), issued at a discount, zero default risk;
- Commercial Paper (CP) — unsecured short-term debt by creditworthy companies;
- Certificates of Deposit (CD) — by banks/FIs;
- Call/Notice money — very short-term interbank lending;
- Commercial Bills and Repo (repurchase agreements).
RBI and significance
The RBI uses the money market for liquidity management and monetary-policy transmission (via repo/reverse repo and Open Market Operations). A deep, efficient money market ensures liquidity, price discovery for short-term rates, and stability in the financial system.
UPSC angle
Know money market (short-term ≤1yr, RBI-regulated) vs capital market; instruments — T-Bills (govt, discount), Commercial Paper (firms), CDs (banks), call money (interbank), repo. RBI uses it for liquidity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the money market?
The market for short-term debt instruments (up to one year), providing liquidity and regulated by the RBI.
What are Treasury Bills?
Short-term government borrowing instruments (91/182/364 days) issued at a discount, with zero default risk.
What is commercial paper?
An unsecured short-term debt instrument issued by creditworthy companies.
How does the RBI use the money market?
For liquidity management and monetary-policy transmission via repo, reverse repo and Open Market Operations.