<p>A <strong>stock exchange</strong> is a regulated marketplace where investors buy and sell shares of publicly traded companies and other securities such as bonds, exchange‑traded funds, and derivatives. By providing a centralized venue with transparent pricing and standardized rules, the exchange facilitates efficient price discovery and liquidity for market participants.</p>

<h2>How It Works</h2>
<p>Companies list their shares on an exchange after meeting specific listing requirements, which may include minimum market capitalization, financial reporting standards, and corporate governance practices. Once listed, shares are traded through electronic order‑matching systems that pair buyers with sellers based on price and time priority. Traders submit orders via brokerage firms; the exchange’s matching engine executes trades almost instantly, updating the best bid and ask prices in real time. Clearinghouses then settle the transactions, ensuring that securities and funds are transferred between parties.</p>

<h2>Why It Matters</h2>
<p>Stock exchanges are essential to the functioning of modern economies because they enable companies to raise capital for growth and innovation while giving investors a way to build wealth and manage risk. For example, when a technology firm lists on <a href="/NewSite/encyclopedia/nasdaq/" class="ency-link">NASDAQ</a>, it can access funds from a global pool of investors to develop new products, and those investors can later sell their shares if they need liquidity or wish to reallocate capital. The transparency and oversight provided by exchanges also help maintain market confidence and reduce the likelihood of fraud or manipulation.</p>