The stock market is a public marketplace where shares of publicly held companies are issued, bought, and sold. It serves as a platform for investors to trade securities, which represent ownership in businesses, thereby facilitating capital raising, investment opportunities, and price discovery. The stock market consists of various exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq, where stocks are listed and transactions occur.
In a broader sense, the stock market is also indicative of the overall economic health and investor sentiment, often used as a barometer for the performance of the economy. Prices of stocks fluctuate based on supply and demand dynamics, influenced by factors such as corporate earnings reports, economic data, and geopolitical events. Investors can participate through direct purchasing of shares or through investment vehicles like mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The stock market plays a critical role in the global economy by enabling businesses to access funding for expansion and innovation while providing individuals and institutions with opportunities for wealth growth.
The global beauty market hit **$446 billion** in 2023, highlighting significant growth in regions like the Middle East and Latin America. Procter & Gamble leads the market, with a **2%…