> at least it could be argued that FOREX traders actually provide something of value because they provide liquidity [...] I struggle to see the value of publicly traded companies

Seeing this A>B comparison made me stop and re-check whether it was the introduction to a satirical post.

Many of those companies are actually doing something transformative in the world like growing food or inventing better mousetraps. That's way more "value" than "providing liquidity", regardless of whatever debates we might have about who ends up with the rewards.

> Even capital intensive industries could just borrow money from investors

Does that mean using shares as collateral for a cash-loan, versus selling shares outright?