Stock Market

The stock market refers to the collection of markets and exchanges where activities related to buying, selling, and issuing shares of publicly-held companies take place. It provides a platform for investors to trade ownership stakes in enterprises, represented by stocks or equity securities, and facilitates the raising of capital by companies through public offerings. The stock market encompasses various financial instruments, including common stocks, preferred stocks, derivatives, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and plays a crucial role in the economy by enabling businesses to access funds and investors to gain returns on their investments. Market movements are influenced by supply and demand dynamics, economic factors, and investor sentiment, contributing to changes in stock prices. Major stock markets include the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ in the USA, as well as the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) globally. The overall performance of the stock market is often seen as an indicator of the economic health and trends within a country or region.