Stock Market

The stock market is a platform or collection of markets where shares of publicly traded companies are bought and sold. It provides a venue for companies to raise capital by issuing shares to investors, and for investors to trade those shares to buy or sell them at fluctuating prices based on market demand and supply. Stock markets are crucial components of the financial system, as they facilitate price discovery, provide liquidity, and help reflect the health and performance of economies. Key elements of the stock market include stock exchanges (like the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ), market indices (such as the S&P 500), and various participants, including individual investors, institutional investors, and brokers.