Final answer:
Thrift institutions, commercial banks, and money market funds all accept deposits from or sell shares to the general public, providing various financial services and investment opportunities while ensuring security through FDIC insurance for banks (i).
Step-by-step explanation:
The entities which accept deposits from or sell shares to the general public include thrift institutions, commercial banks, and money market funds. Commercial banks provide a wide range of accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit, thereby operating as financial intermediaries that facilitate financial transactions for businesses and individuals. Thrift institutions, also known as savings and loans or thrifts, offer loan and deposit services, primarily focusing on residential mortgage lending. Money market funds are investment vehicles that offer shares to the public and invest in short-term, liquid securities, thereby appearing on the M2 money supply measurement.
Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), banks purchase insurance to safeguard against the risk of bank failure, adding an extra layer of security for depositors. This constellation of financial services is critical in coordinating the supply and demand in the financial capital markets, ensuring that both individuals and companies have access to necessary financial services for saving, investing, and raising capital.