Net capital rules aim to prevent which of the following?

Net capital rules are designed specifically to ensure that firms, particularly broker-dealers in the financial markets, maintain a certain level of net capital. This is a regulatory measure aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the financial system by requiring firms to have sufficient capital to cover their obligations, thereby preventing insolvency. The primary purpose of these rules is to mitigate the risk of firms failing due to losses that exceed their capital base, which could lead to broader financial instability.

When firms are adequately capitalized, they are better equipped to absorb losses without jeopardizing their operations or the market as a whole. This helps to maintain investor confidence and prevents systemic risks that could arise from a firm's bankruptcy. Therefore, the aim of net capital rules is closely aligned with the protection against losses experienced by firms, making it a cornerstone of financial regulation in promoting stability in the financial system.

In contrast, while excessive leverage can be a concern in the financial markets, net capital rules specifically address the capital availability rather than leverage as a direct focal point. Similarly, preventing global financial contagion and inflation in financial markets are broader economic issues that are not the primary focus of net capital regulations.