The stock market refers to the collection of exchanges and markets where publicly traded companies issue and sell shares of stock to investors.

These exchanges include the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, and other regional exchanges. Investors can buy and sell shares of stock in these companies, with the goal of earning a return on their investment through capital appreciation (the value of their shares increasing) and/or dividends (regular payments made to shareholders).

The stock market is often seen as a barometer of the overall health of the economy, with stock prices fluctuating based on factors such as company performance, economic indicators, and investor sentiment.