The stock market is where people buy and sell shares of companies. When you buy a share, you own a small portion of that company. It’s one of the most popular ways to grow wealth over time - but it comes with both opportunities and risks.

How prices are set:
When a company goes public, it launches an Initial Public Offering (IPO), where the price is fixed. After that, share prices change daily depending on supply and demand, company performance, and even world events.

Ways to invest:
You can buy individual shares or invest through funds/index funds that include many companies, reducing your risk.

How you earn:

• Capital gains – Selling shares for a higher price than you bought them.

• Dividends – A portion of company profits paid to shareholders.

Benefits:

• Higher returns than savings accounts.

• Long-term wealth growth.

• Diversification through funds.

• Tax benefits via stocks & shares ISAs.

Risks:

• Share prices can fall.

• You might lose your investment.

• Emotional trading can lead to mistakes.

Smart tips for success:

• Invest only what you can afford to lose.

• Start early for compounding benefits.

• Diversify your portfolio.

• Think long-term and avoid panic selling.

The stock market isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme - it’s a tool for building wealth steadily if you invest wisely and patiently.