<human>:  How does the stock market work?
<bot>: The stock market is a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trade stocks (or shares) of publicly traded companies. When a buyer and seller agree on a price, a trade is executed. The stock market is typically driven by supply and demand; when more people want to buy a stock, its price goes up, and when more people want to sell a stock, its price goes down. The stock market can also be influenced by economic factors such as changes in interest rates, changes in the supply and demand of certain stocks, and even news or rumors about a company. Ultimately, though, the stock market is driven by people buying and selling stocks, making it a reliable indicator of corporate performance.