Welcome to the world of public markets! You might hear about "the stock market" on the news, but what exactly are public markets?

Think of them as giant marketplaces where people buy and sell pieces of companies. Just like a farmers market, but for investments.

Engagement Message

Who do you think is buying and selling when a stock’s price moves?

Here's a simple example: When you see "Apple stock is up today," it means people are trading shares of Apple Inc. on public markets.

These trades happen on organized exchanges - think of them as official marketplaces with rules and oversight.

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Can you think of other company names you've heard mentioned with stock prices?

But why do these markets exist in the first place? They solve a fundamental matching problem in our economy.

Companies need money to grow their businesses. Investors have money and want to earn returns. Public markets connect these two groups efficiently.

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In one short sentence, how would you explain this matching idea?

For companies, public markets are like a massive fundraising platform. When a company "goes public," it sells shares to raise capital for expansion, research, or new products.

This is often much more money than they could get from banks alone.

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Why do you think public fundraising might be more powerful than bank loans?

For investors, public markets offer something incredible: the chance to own pieces of successful companies and share in their growth.

You can buy shares in companies you believe in and potentially profit as they succeed over time.

Engagement Message

What companies would you be excited to own a small piece of?