Basics4 min read
What is the stock market?
A marketplace where buyers and sellers trade shares of listed companies. In India, that mostly means the NSE and BSE.
The stock market is a network of exchanges where shares of publicly listed companies are bought and sold. In India, the two main exchanges are the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Primary vs secondary market
When a company first sells shares to the public through an IPO, that is the primary market. Once those shares start trading between investors, that is the secondary market, which is what most people mean by 'the stock market'.
Who keeps it fair?
In India, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulator. It sets the rules, oversees the exchanges and works to protect investors.
Frequently asked
- What are trading hours in India?
- The equity market is typically open from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM IST on weekdays, excluding exchange holidays.