Over the past two weeks, we have considered financing for startups and growing firms that need funds. Now lets consider how traditional and alternative financial markets provide opportunities for different types of investors. Refer to the above required readings to write approximately 1 page of analysis and opinion on at least 4 of the following questions. You might also refer to previous course readings.

1. Why might a startup choose to do a Direct Listing rather than an IPO?
2. How do banks and other financial-service companies make money? How do they make money from low-income customers? Why do many low-income people not have bank accounts?
3. In what ways do traditional financial markets benefit individual investors? What alternative ways of investment are emerging for individual investors?
4. Does the decline in public companies shut out some investors from new and innovative companies? Are there other ways that traditional financial markets exclude specific groups of potential investors?
5. (Required) What kinds of investors are able get high returns from private ownership? How does this affect economic equality or inequality?
6. What are the primary ways that individuals accumulate wealth? How have redlining and other policies contributed to a racial wealth gap?
7. When you begin investing for long-term goals, what kind of investments would you prefer? Why?

Please note: four responses will be graded for the maximum 15 points; additional responses can earn extra credit.