Banks usually trade shares for one of three reasons. First, they may be acting as a broker to a client an institution such as a pension fund or an individual. Or the bank may be acting as a market maker buying and selling securities to fulfil its obligation to an exchange in order to allow other investors to trade.
However, proprietary trading involves banks risking their own capital to make money. They may trade equities, but also bonds, currencies or commodities. Prop trading is pure speculation and can trigger big profits or losses. For that reason critics argue that it should be split away from much safer activities, such as accepting deposits and making loans, if banks are to retain the right to future taxpayer-funded bail-outs.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
Could falling interest rates be the motivation savers need to invest?Chancellor Rachel Reeves wants to spark an investment revolution. Falling interest rates could help her in her mission.
-
8 of the best properties for sale with shooting estatesThe best properties for sale with shooting estates – from an estate in a designated Dark Sky area in Ayrshire, Scotland, to a hunting estate in Tuscany with a wild boar, mouflon, deer and hare shoot
