<human>:  Can you provide an overview of the equity markets?
<bot>: The equity markets refer to the stock markets around the world, which provide a platform for companies to raise capital. These markets consist of exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and the Tokyo Stock Exchange, where investors can buy and sell shares of publicly traded companies. Equity markets provide investors with the opportunity to diversify their portfolios and receive returns from stock appreciation or dividends. By investing in the equity markets, investors are able to gain exposure to a wide range of different industries. Overall, equity markets offer investors potential returns and the ability to diversify their portfolios.