Stock Market

The stock market is a public marketplace where shares of publicly traded companies are bought and sold. It serves as a platform for investors to purchase ownership in companies through stocks, which represent a claim on the company’s assets and earnings. The stock market operates through a network of exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq, where stocks are listed and traded. Prices of stocks fluctuate based on supply and demand dynamics, reflecting investors’ perceptions of a company’s future performance. The stock market plays a crucial role in the economy by enabling companies to raise capital for growth and by providing investors with opportunities for investment returns. It is also a barometer of economic health, as stock prices often mirror the overall confidence in economic prospects.