The stock market can seem like a complex and intimidating place for beginners, but it's actually a vital part of the global economy and a great tool for building wealth over time. In this guide, we'll provide a beginner-friendly overview of the stock market, its functions, key concepts, and how you can get started as an investor. What is the Stock Market? The stock market is a platform where shares of publicly traded companies are bought and sold. When a company goes public, it issues shares of ownership to the public, and these shares can be traded on the stock market. Investors, both individual and institutional, buy these shares, becoming partial owners of the company. In return, they have the potential to benefit from the company's growth and profitability. Key Concepts: Stocks: Also known as shares or equities, stocks represent ownership in a company. When you own a stock, you own a part of the company and have a claim on its assets and earnings. Stock Exchange: A st