Step 1: Define the financial markets.
The financial market is broadly divided into two segments: the money market and the capital market.
Step 2: Differentiate between the two markets.
The Money Market deals with short-term borrowing and lending (maturity up to one year). Instruments include treasury bills, commercial papers, etc.
The Capital Market deals with long-term funds (maturity of more than one year). It includes the stock market (for shares/equity) and the bond market (for debt).
Step 3: Place the stock market correctly.
Since stocks represent long-term ownership capital with no maturity date, the stock market is a fundamental part of the capital market.