Stock Market

The stock market is a collection of markets and exchanges where activities such as buying, selling, and issuing shares of publicly traded companies take place. It serves as a platform for investors to trade stocks, which represent ownership in a company. Prices of stocks are determined by supply and demand dynamics, influenced by various factors including company performance, economic conditions, and investor sentiment. The stock market plays a critical role in the financial system, providing companies with access to capital in exchange for giving investors a slice of ownership in the company. It includes major exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, and can be segmented into various sectors. The market is also a key indicator of economic health, with performance analyzed through various indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500.