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What Is the Stock Market & How Does It Work?

By Matthew Frankel, CFP – Updated Aug 19, 2025 at 5:05PM | Fact-checked by Parker Hicks

Key Points

  • Stocks signify ownership in publicly traded firms, accessible via buying shares.
  • Stock market operations are fuelled by supply and demand, determining prices.
  • Market makers enhance liquidity, facilitating instant buy/sell during trading hours.

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