What distinguishes the 'primary market' from the 'secondary market'?

The primary market is defined as the segment of the financial market where newly issued securities are sold to investors for the first time. This process typically involves initial public offerings (IPOs) or issuances of new bonds, where companies or governments raise funds directly from investors. Investors purchase these securities directly from the issuer, allowing the issuer to raise capital. This distinction is crucial because the focus in the primary market is on financing new projects and ventures through fresh capital.

In contrast, the secondary market involves the trading of existing securities between investors, which does not result in capital being raised for the issuing company. Therefore, the primary market's role in introducing new securities is fundamental to understanding the flow of capital in financial markets. This is why the answer stating that the primary market sells securities for the first time is the correct choice.