Stock Market

The stock market is a platform or collection of markets where stocks, which are shares of ownership in companies, are bought and sold. It facilitates the exchange of securities and provides a venue for investors to trade shares and other financial instruments, such as bonds and mutual funds. The stock market serves as an indicator of the overall economic health of a country, with stock prices reflecting the performance and expectations of businesses. It is comprised of various exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq, where listed companies publicly offer their shares. Participants in the stock market include individual retail investors, institutional investors, traders, and companies. The functioning of the stock market is influenced by various factors including market sentiment, economic indicators, and government policies. Overall, the stock market plays a critical role in the allocation of capital and wealth in an economy.