Capital Markets

The term "capital markets" basically refers to any market that focuses on raising capital...you know, the market for selling stocks, bonds, anything that counts as a long-term investment (over a year) or even the market to raise money on a donation system. It's the system built to provide investors a place to put their money and companies (along with other organizations) a place to raise funds.

You're probably taking part in these markets right now...college savings funds, retirement funds (like a 401k), insurance or charitable donations. The finance industry tends to focus on private markets, like equity through an investment bank. This isn't something you would interact with daily. However, the public markets include the more run-of-the-mill options (publicly traded shares, charities, etc).