THE BUSINESS NIGHTS

The stock market, also known as the equity market, is a marketplace where shares of publicly traded companies are bought and sold. These shares represent ownership in a company, and the stock market provides a platform for investors to trade these shares in an organized and regulated manner. The main purpose of the stock market is to facilitate the raising of capital for companies while offering investors the opportunity to invest in and potentially profit from company growth. Key Components of the Stock Market: Stock Exchanges: These are formal organizations where stocks are listed and traded. Major global stock exchanges include the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, the London Stock Exchange (LSE), and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Investors: Individuals or entities that buy and sell stocks. Investors range from retail investors (individuals) to institutional investors like pension funds, hedge funds, and banks. Brokers: Intermediaries who facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers. Brokers often provide platforms for trading and charge a commission for their services. Companies: Corporations that list their shares on stock exchanges to raise capital. In return, shareholders own a portion of the company and may receive dividends if the company performs well. Stock Prices: The value of a stock fluctuates based on supply and demand, company performance, and broader market conditions. Stock prices reflect the market’s perception of a company's value. Indices: These are composite measures that track the performance of a group of stocks. Common examples include the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the NIFTY 50 in India.