Which financial market is characterized by the trading of existing securities?

The correct choice reflects the definition of the secondary market, which is specifically where existing securities—such as stocks and bonds—are bought and sold between investors. In the secondary market, the issuing company is not involved in the transaction; rather, the focus is entirely on the exchanges between investors. This market provides liquidity for investors and helps establish the market prices of the securities based on supply and demand dynamics.

In contrast, the primary market is where new securities are created and sold for the first time directly from the issuer to investors. The forex market primarily involves currency trading rather than securities and focuses on the exchange of different currencies rather than ownership of financial instruments. Lastly, the derivatives market deals with financial instruments whose value is derived from the performance of underlying assets, but it is not centered around the trading of existing securities. Thus, the secondary market is distinctly characterized by the trading of already established securities.