Explained

New to investing and markets? These plain-English guides explain what the stock market is, what actually moves prices, the main things you can invest in, and the jargon you meet in the headlines. Nothing here is financial advice.

The stock market, explained

What shares and indices actually are — the S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq in plain English.

What moves markets

Interest rates, inflation, jobs and earnings — the forces behind the headlines.

Stocks, bonds and commodities

The main things people invest in, and how they differ.

A glossary of market terms

The words you keep seeing in market news, defined simply.