Repo Market

Definition ∞ The repo market is where financial institutions borrow and lend money using securities as collateral. Short for repurchase agreement, this market enables banks and other entities to obtain short-term funding by selling securities with an agreement to repurchase them at a slightly higher price later. It is a critical component of the global financial system, facilitating liquidity and enabling the efficient functioning of other markets. The repo market is closely monitored by central banks for signs of financial stress.
Context ∞ The discussion around the repo market often highlights its sensitivity to liquidity conditions and its role as an indicator of broader financial system health. While traditionally separate, the repo market’s stability can indirectly influence digital asset markets by affecting overall investor risk appetite and the availability of capital. Future observations will focus on potential intersections with tokenized assets or blockchain-based settlement systems, though direct integration remains a distant prospect.