Introduction The stock market can be a daunting place for beginners, but with a basic understanding of its key concepts, you can navigate this financial landscape more confidently. In this article, we'll break down the stock market basics using easy-to-understand bullet points. 1. What is the stock market? - The stock market is a marketplace where buyers and sellers trade stocks or shares of publicly listed companies. - It provides a platform for investors to buy and sell ownership stakes in companies and potentially profit from their investments. 2. Stocks and shares: - Stocks, also known as shares or equities, represent ownership in a company. - When you buy stocks, you become a shareholder and have a claim on the company's assets and earnings. 3. Why do companies sell stocks? - Companies sell stocks to raise capital for various purposes, such as expanding their business, investing in new projects, or paying off debts. - Selling stocks allows companies to