The stock market is a platform or system where shares of publicly traded companies are bought and sold. It serves as a marketplace for investors to trade ownership stakes in businesses, reflecting their performance and prospects. The stock market facilitates the raising of capital for companies through the issuance of shares, allowing them to finance operations and growth. Investors can participate in the stock market to gain potential returns through capital appreciation, dividends, or both. It operates through various exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ, where stocks are listed and transactions occur. The stock market is influenced by various factors, including economic indicators, interest rates, and investor sentiment, and plays a significant role in the overall economy by impacting business investment and consumer confidence.
The Nikkei index closed 98 points higher at 38,776, with potential shifts anticipated this week. Key economic events include U.S. consumer spending data and Tokyo's inflation figures, crucial for market…